Building of the Week: The Louvre Palace

The Louvre today: Musée du Louvre

Now, of course, it’s arguably the most famous and important museum in the world, however, The Palace of the Louvre was once the seat of the French Empire, and the home of the king.


The first structure built on the site the Right Bank of the Seine (between what is now the Tuileries Gardens and the church of Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois), was a medieval fortress erected in the Sixteenth Century. The name “Louvre” is derived from a Frankish word meaning “fortified.” In 1682, King Louis XIV moved the home of the Royal Family to his new palace at Versailles. However, the Louvre Palace remained the official seat of the government until 1789. After that, the palace became partially a museum and partially other governmental offices. In 1983, the building was renovated and the last remaining governmental offices (The Finance Ministry) were moved allowing the entire building to be utilized as a museum. Modern architect I.M. Pei was commissioned to create a new structure to serve as an entrance to the palace. The result was the controversial glass pyramid which sits in front of the old structure. While the pyramid had many detractors, it has now become a beloved, iconic, French landmark.

Musée du Louvre

Long before the pyramid and long before it was a museum, however, the Louvre had more practical purposes. The original building was a tall, turreted structure in the medieval style which served its purposes well. However, in 1546, King Francis I wished the palace to be modernized and hired architect Pierre Lescot and sculptor Jean Goujon to remodel the building in a Renaissance style.

In 1589, The House of Bourbon took control of France, and the palace was once again remodeled to remove any traces of the original fortress, to expand the central façade and to create a gallery between the Palais des Tuileries and the Louvre. When the huge construction project had been completed, it was the longest building in the world at the time. Later, Louis XIII made considerable changes and additions to the palace.

None of the changes were more enduring than those created at the instigation of “The Sun King.” Louis XIV who commissioned architects Le Vau and André Le Nôtre, and painter Charles Le Brun to expand and further beautify the palace he would soon leave for Versailles. Under Louis XIV’s direction, Perrault also designed a monumental pediment and colonnade for the central façade.

Musée du Louvre

In 1852, under Napolean III, the palace underwent further changes when a massive French Second Empire façade was constructed. This is—more or less—the Louvre that we see today. The work of some of the most celebrated architects in history is reflected in the Louvre—fitting, as today it now houses some of the most celebrated art in history.

Today, The Louvre is more thriving than ever—taking in millions of tourists—eager for the opportunity to experience history and see life through the eyes of those who have passed.