The Louvre Museum is perhaps the world’s greatest museum, known as one of the largest buildings in the world; this magnificent structure exemplifies French Renaissance architecture. The original Louvre was built during the 13th century by Phillip Augustine II to defend Paris against the English and Normans. In subsequent years the castle was renovated and redesigned; during the 17th century King Louis XIII upgraded the Louvre and new facades were added to the east wing.

Following the French Museum, the first state museum was opened at the Louvre in 1793. It consisted mostly of royal treasures and paintings, while the collection was enhanced by artifacts brought from the Napoleonic Wars.

At present the Louvre Museum includes Oriental antiquities, Egyptian antiquities, Greek and Roman collections, sculptures dating from the Middle Ages to present day, furniture and objects of art and of course the European Art Collection and a special section has also been allocated for Islamic art.

Among all its artifacts, the Louvre is best known for its collection of great artwork. Some of the favourites include Leonardo Da Vinci’s famous Mona Lisa portrait, Pieta of Avignon and Veronese’s Wedding at Cana. A number of sculptures by great craftsmen are also displayed here the Venus de Milo statue takes center stage while the graceful and elegant Ancient Greek sculpture is certainly one of Louvre’s most cherished exhibits.

Located in an area close to the Millennium Hotel Paris Opera one of the best and most convenient places to stay among hotels in Paris, the Louvre can easily be accessed in its busy Right Bank neighbourhood. Make an online hotel booking in Paris through the official site and be assured of staying in some of the city’s most comfortable rooms.