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Louvre: Grand Louvre
built 606 days ago
The Louvre Museum has been a "Grand Gallery" since 1793. But long before it became a public museum, the Louvre was a fortress dating back to the reign of Philippe Auguste, the French king who paved the streets and built the walls of Paris.
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The most recent significant modification of the Louvre was the "Grand Louvre" project, under president François Mitterrand. This opened the north wing of the building, which had hitherto housed government offices, and covered over several small internal courtyards.
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Here, it�s far better to experience the city, than to just look at it. Of course, the Louvre, Pompidou, Musee D'Orsay, the Opera, Notre Dame and the Eiffel Tower are unparalleled. But, Paris is far beyond the shadows of impressive monuments and grand boulevards. So, skip the endless museum hopping for a day, find your spot in one of the numerous caf�s, and watch the world go by. Paris is a city full of romance and passion, so let it sweep you off your feet. Do like the Parisians do: enjoy your morning croissant or Nutella crepe as you stroll along the Seine. Or grab a mobile lunch of a baguette, brie, and sliced tomatoes.
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The huge renovation of Le Grand Louvre which started in 1983 leads to an increase of 22 000 square meters. The basement is now occupied by the remains of the medieval castle originally a big keep part of the defensive wall built under Philippe August in 1190 which have been excavated and displayed below the Cour Carrée. Under the glass pyramid leading to the main entrance of the Hall Napoléon starts the shopping gallery leading to several restaurants and cafeterias of the Galerie du Carrousel under the reversed pyramid.
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The Grand Tour (of Europe, for example) is right up the Taurus' alley: the Louvre in Paris followed by opera at La Scala and the castles along the Rhine. India could be on the agenda, but probably just for the Taj Mahal.
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"Of all the Grands Projets in Paris, none created such a stir as the Pei Pyramids in the courtyard of the famous Louvre Museum. Spectacular in concept and form, they provide a startling reminder of the audacious ability of modern architects to invigorate and re-circulate traditional architectural forms...The main Pyramid is basically a complex inter-linked steel structure sheathed in reflective glass. In fact it is an entrance doorway providing a long-overdue entrance portico to the main galleries of the Louvre. As one descends into the interior entrance foyer, the dramatic nature of the intervention becomes apparent. The main Pyramid, which certainly disturbs the balance of the old Louvre courtyard, is countered by two smaller pyramids, which provide further light and ventilation to the subterranean spaces."
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