| Paris - The Louvre
The
Louvre is one of the world's most visited art
museums, a historic monument, and a national
symbol of France. The collection contains nearly
35,000 pieces displayed over the structure's
650,000 sq ft. The structure, begun in 1190
CE, originated as a fortress during the Capetian
dynasty under the reign of Philip II and it
was used as a royal residence until King Louis
XIV moved the seat of power to Versailles.
It was used as an art depository from the time
of François I and it was opened to the
public after the French Revolution. At that
time, the Louvre was intended to symbolize the
progress of Liberty and was a destination for
many of the spoils brought home by Napoleon's
victorious armies. In the 20th century, the
Grand Louvre project was undertaken to renovate
the museum up to modern standards. Send one
of these cards from this historic museum. |