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Louvre Museum history | From fortress to world-famous museum

Timeline of the Louvre Museum

  • 1190s: King Philip II orders the construction of a fortress to protect Paris during his absence from the crusades. The remains of this fortress exist beneath the current Louvre Palace.
  • 1364 - 1380: Charles V commissions the transformation of the fortress into a castle under architect Raymond du Temple, turning it into a royal residence with extensive renovations.
  • 14th century: Monarchs of France prefer other palaces, leading to the demolition of the castle by Francis I.
  • 16th century: King Francis I initiated the rebuilding of the palace in Renaissance style, later continued by his son King Henry II with alterations.
  • 17th century: Louis XIII makes additions to the palace, while Catherine de Medici suggests the construction of the Tuileries Palace and designs a garden.
  • 1610: King Henry IV builds the Grande Galerie connecting the Louvre Palace to the Tuileries Palace.
  • 17th century: The Louvre begins its transformation into a museum, with King Louis XVI ordering the construction of the Cour Carrée and the Louvre Colonnade. The museum officially opened to the public in 1793.
  • 1815: Napoleon I adds a new gallery to the north of the palace.
  • 19th century: Napoleon III adds two new wings, completing the Louvre Palace. In 1871, a fire destroyed the Tuileries Palace, which is subsequently demolished by 1883.
  • 19th century: Construction continues on the Louvre Palace, with the addition of the iconic glass pyramid and expansion of art collections, solidifying its status as one of the world’s largest art museums.

Louvre history explained

The Louvre as a fortress

12th–13th century

What changed?

The history of the Louvre begins in the late 12th century when it was built as a fortress by King Philip II Augustus (1165–1223). The original structure was designed to defend Paris along the Seine River. The remains of the medieval fortress can still be seen in the basement of the museum today.

Transformation into a castle

13th–14th century

What changed?

Charles V commissioned the fortress to be transformed into a royal castle between 1364 and 1380. In the following years, the monarchs of France increasingly chose to live in other residences, including the châteaux of the Loire Valley, instead of the Louvre.

As the medieval castle lost its importance as a royal residence, the site was eventually prepared for another major transformation under later monarchs.

Transformation into a Royal Palace

15th–16th century

What changed?

By the 16th century, during the reign of King Francis I (r. 1515–1547), the Louvre began its transformation from a medieval castle into a Renaissance royal residence.

Francis I was also an avid art collector and patron who invited artists such as Leonardo da Vinci to the French court. His reign strengthened the Louvre's association with art, with royal collections beginning to take shape within the palace.

Additions to the Palace

16th–17th century

What changed?

Successive rulers continued to expand the Louvre and the surrounding royal complex. Catherine de Medici commissioned the construction of the nearby Tuileries Palace and created gardens outside the palace for her personal use.

Henry IV later developed the Grande Galerie, connecting the Louvre Palace with the Tuileries Palace. The addition brought the two royal residences together as part of a much larger palace complex along the Seine.

The Louvre as a museum

18th century

What changed?

The French Revolution marked a major turning point in the Louvre's history. After the monarchy was overthrown, the former royal palace was transformed into a public museum.

In 1793, the Musée du Louvre officially opened to the public under the National Assembly. Its early collections were largely based on works from former royal collections and art seized from aristocratic estates during the Revolution.

Napoleon's rule

19th century

What changed?

Under Napoleon Bonaparte (r. 1804–1814), the Louvre's collection expanded considerably as artworks acquired and seized during French military campaigns across Europe were brought to Paris.

The museum was renamed the Musée Napoléon in 1803. Napoleon III later continued the development of the Louvre Palace, adding two new wings and contributing to the completion of the vast palace complex.

In 1871, a fire destroyed the adjoining Tuileries Palace, permanently changing the layout of the wider Louvre complex.

Post-Napoleon and expansion

19th century continued

What changed?

After Napoleon's fall, many artworks acquired during his campaigns were returned to their previous owners, but the Louvre continued to grow as a public museum.

During the reign of Louis-Philippe (r. 1830–1848), the Louvre became increasingly accessible to the public, and the former royal apartments were used to develop additional museum spaces and collections.

Construction and redevelopment of the palace continued through the century, gradually shaping the extensive Louvre complex visitors see today.

Modernization and the Glass Pyramid

20th century

What changed?

The Louvre underwent major modernization in the 20th century. Its most recognizable addition was I. M. Pei’s Glass Pyramid, inaugurated in 1989 as the museum’s main entrance. Its modern design created a striking contrast with the historic palace and became a symbol of the Louvre.

Louvre Museum today 

The Louvre Museum holds immense cultural significance as a symbol of art, history, and national identity. As the world's largest art museum, it houses an unparalleled collection that spans over 9,000 years of human creativity, offering visitors access to the most iconic artworks from different cultures and civilizations. The museum's significance extends beyond its vast collection; it represents a culmination of Western and Eastern art, philosophy, and culture, making it a key institution for understanding the evolution of global art history. It’s home to some of the most revered masterpieces, such as The Mona Lisa, The Venus de Milo, and Liberty Leading the People, each embodying milestones in artistic development and cultural movements.

The Louvre's rich history also adds to its cultural importance. Originally built as a fortress in the 12th century, it evolved into a royal palace before becoming a public museum during the French Revolution in 1793. Its architecture, including the iconic glass pyramid designed by I. M. Pei, blends the ancient and modern, making the Louvre a testament to France's enduring commitment to preserving and celebrating its cultural heritage.

A must-see attraction, the Louvre offers not only a journey through art but also a deep immersion into history, offering visitors the chance to experience some of the most significant works of human expression across centuries. The museum is an essential part of any cultural or historical exploration of Paris, appealing to art lovers, history enthusiasts, and curious travellers alike.

Frequently asked questions about the history of the Louvre Museum

The original construction of the Louvre Palace began in 1546 under King Francis I and was completed in 1793.

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