The Musée du Louvre in Paris houses an estimated 380,000 items and 35,000 works of art in 652,300 square feet of space. The museum opened on Aug. 10, 1793, but was closed between 1796 and 1801 because of structural problems. It began its life as a fortress built by Philip II in the 12th century, was converted into a residence by Charles V in the 14th century, and renovated in the French Renaissance style by Francis I in 1546. Francis’ artistic acquisitions include Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa.” It was transformed into a public museum during the French Revolution.
Besides guided tours the museum offers workshops for participants to study artistic techniques and civilizations, as well as learn more about the space’s collections.
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