The+Louvre

=__**The Louvre Museum**__=

**History**
This was originally a medieval fortress, built under Philippe August in 1200 at the point where the defenses of Paris were weakest. Charles V had to enlarge it and adapt it for use as a royal residence. However its new function soon came to an end. Francis I had its imposing keep demolished in 1527, and then in 1546 he decided to replace the rest by another building in the Renaissance style. This job was given to the architect Pierre Lescot. Catherine De Medicis then ordered Philibert, Pelorne and Jean Bulland to construct two galleries in the early 19th century under Napoleon 1st. Percier and Fountain began to construct the north wing. Its collections are divided among 6 departments.

**Characteristics**
Is one of the largest and arguably the world´s most famous art museum. The building is a former royal palace. The Louvre is situated in the center of Paris between the river Seine and Rue de Rivoli. The central courtyard is now occupied by the Louvre glass pyramid, completed in 1989. The entrance of the galleries lies below the glass pyramid. The Lovure holds the rich artistic heritage of the French people, from the early Capetian Kings through the Empire of Napoleon Bonaparte, to the present day.

The Louvre's most famous piece is Mona Lisa. It was painted by the famous Italian Renaissance artist Leonardo da Vinci. This is perhaps the most famous painting in the whole history. It is owned by the French government. But works of famous artists like Rembrandt, Rubens, Fragonard and Titian can also been seen in Louvre. Besides art, Louvre also has many other types of exhibitions like archeology, history and architecture. People and Places The Louvre is located in Paris, France near the Seine river. The architect Pierre Lescot was appointed by king Francis I to erect the west wing. Louis XII had Jacques Lemercier plan more extensions of the building. The majestic wing was designed by Claude Perrault. Napoleon I heightened the status of the Louvre with its Egyptian collection. It was finished under Napoleon III.

**Renovations and changes**
In 1981 the project of remodeling the museum was done by president Francois Miterrand and he extended the museum. In 1546 the Louvre grew larger as the royal collections increased. Recently the Louvre Museum underwent a renovation project featuring Toshiba LED lighting, according to a new partnership agreement between the two entities.

**Illustrations**


[] [] [] Louvre book (Library)
 * Links**


 * =**Ale Fuentes**=
 * =**Marie Carias**=
 * =**Adriana Ruiz**=