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MUSEUM DESCRIPTION:
Built on the city's western edge, the original structure was gradually engulfed as the city grew. The dark fortress of the early days was transformed into the modernized dwelling of François I and, later, the sumptuous palace of the Sun King, Louis XIV. Here we explore the history of this extraordinary edifice and of the museum that has occupied it since 1793.

The Louvre: A Rich Past, An Ambitious Future

"Open to all since 1793": From the outset, the Louvre has embodied the concept of a truly "universal" institution. Universal in the scope of its collections, it is also universal in its appeal to some 6 million visitors every year: a 21st-century museum rooted in 200 years of innovation.

The principle responsibility of the Louvre is to conserve, protect, restore, and develop France's national art treasures, from the early royal collections to the most recent acquisitions. In carrying out this task, the museum?s scientific and academic staff displays steadfast commitment and universally recognized professionalism.

The priceless artworks housed in the Louvre are held for the benefit of present and future generations. Hence the vital importance of the museum's mission to make these works available to the greatest number of people possible, from France and all over the world. To do this, it is our job to ensure that every visitor enjoys the best facilities possible. But it is also essential to promote cultural access: to do as much as we can to help each visitor to approach, understand, and enjoy the works they have come to see. With this in mind, we are committed to extend the range of information available at the Louvre in languages other than French, to further develop the museum's wide range of educational resources and activities, and to make our buildings and collections more easily accessible- in every sense- to people with disabilities and to new audiences.

The cut-off point for the Louvre's collection is 1848- a crucial year in French and world history- but the museum is by no means an institution of the past. Since 1989, when the Grand Louvre project doubled our gallery space, we have continued to forge ahead with new plans and ideas.

The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day except Tuesday and the following holidays: January 1st, May 1st, May 8 and December 25, 2007.

It is open until 10 p.m. on Wednesday and Friday evenings except on Wednesday, August 15, 2007 (open until 6 p.m.).

Admission to the Louvre is free on the first Sunday of every month.

The Pyramid and Carrousel arcade entrances are open daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., except Tuesday. The Passage Richelieu is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., except Tuesday. The Porte des Lions entrance is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., except Tuesday and Friday.