Louvre: The Many Lives of the World's Most Famous Museum

The Louvre in Paris is a famous museum, but few know its history, which dates back to 1191 when it was a fortress. It was later converted to a royal palace and then a museum. James Gardner's book tells the story of the Louvre, from its ancient origins to its present-day glory, and how it has been a witness to French history.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 416 pages
Publication date: 04 November 2021
Publisher: Grove Press / Atlantic Monthly Press

The Louvre, a magnificent museum in Paris, attracts nearly nine million visitors annually, showcasing its unparalleled art collection. However, few are aware of the remarkable history of this iconic location and the buildings themselves, which chronicle the history of Paris itself. This captivating story, elegantly narrated by historian James Gardner for the first time, unveils the fascinating origins and evolution of the Louvre.

Before the Louvre became a museum, it was a palace, and before that, a fortress. Yet, its history dates back much further, to a time when it was known as le Louvre, for reasons unknown. People had inhabited this spot for over 6,000 years before King Philippe Auguste of France constructed a fortress there in 1191 to protect against English soldiers stationed in Normandy. Two centuries later, Charles V transformed the fortress into one of his numerous royal palaces. After Louis XIV moved the royal residence to Versailles in 1682, the Louvre inherited the royal art collection, which included the iconic Mona Lisa, gifted to Francis by Leonardo da Vinci. Just over a century later, during the French Revolution, the National Assembly established the Louvre as a museum to display the nation's treasures.

Throughout the years, subsequent leaders of France, from Napoleon to Napoleon III to Francois Mitterand, left their mark on the museum, expanding it into the extraordinary institution it is today. James Gardner skillfully weaves together the Louvre's past with its vibrant present, illuminating how it has witnessed French history, including the Napoleonic era, the Commune, two World Wars, and the present day. He also portrays the Louvre as a home to a legendary collection, whose diverse origins and backstories create a spectacular narrative that rivals the building's legendary stature.

The Louvre's transformation from a fortress to a palace, and then to a museum, reflects the changing fortunes of France and the world. It has served as a symbol of power, culture, and history, and continues to captivate visitors from all corners of the globe. Through the narratives of James Gardner, we gain a deeper understanding of the Louvre's significance and the role it plays in shaping the narrative of Paris and the world.

Weight: 387g
Dimension: 198 x 129 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781611859089
Edition number: Main