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Eight Napoleonic-era jewels with ‘inestimable value’ were stolen from Paris’ world-famous Louvre Museum in under eight minutes. For many, the news felt almost surreal. How could one of the most secure museums in the world fall victim to such a daring heist? Investigators have launched a full-scale national probe, but for the rest of us, the focus is now once again on what the Louvre is, and was, before it became a symbol of French history. Whenever I think of the Louvre, I can’t help but picture scenes from The Da Vinci Code. Tom Hanks darting through its halls, secrets written and hidden beneath its vaults. Beyond housing the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and countless iconic artworks that make it one of the world's most visited landmarks, the Louvre has a story that stretches back centuries, layered with power and politics. History Of Louvre: From Fortress To PalaceBefore it became the world’s largest art museum, the Louvre was built as a royal fortress by King Philip II in the late 12th century. The Louvre Palace was among many defensive structures built to protect Paris from raids along the Seine. With walls made of stone surrounded by defensive moats and multiple watchtowers that dominated the skyline, the Louvre was a far cry from the glass pyramid and open courtyards we associate with it today. Over the centuries, this fortress became a royal home for kings like Francis I, who began amassing the artistic treasures that would one day define the museum, including Da Vinci's Mona Lisa. Louvre Museum: A Museum Like No OtherBy the time Louis XIV moved his court to Versailles, the Louvre went from being a palace to a public museum, opening its doors to a new kind of audience which included art lovers, scholars, and eventually tourists from around the world. It became a public museum on August 10, 1793, during the French Revolution. Almost every king and government added to the structure, making it the massive structure we see today. This includes the controversial steel-and-glass pyramid designed by the American architect I.M. Pei that is emblematic of the Louvre today. Visiting The Louvre: What You Need To KnowLocation And Getting There: The Louvre Museum is located along the Right Bank of the Seine River. The main entrance is through the glass pyramid in the Cour Napoléon courtyard. The easiest way to reach the museum is via the Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre Metro station. Louvre Museum Opening Hours:9am to 6pm: Monday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday 9am to 9pm: Wednesday and Friday. The museum is closed on Tuesday. Entry Fees: General admission: €22 Free entry: For visitors under 18, EU residents under 26, and on the first Friday of the month after 6 pm (except in July and August) Tickets can be purchased online in advance to avoid long queues, which are common, especially during peak tourist seasons. Tips For Travellers:With over 35,000 works on display, the Louvre is certainly crowded and overwhelming. You can visit sections like Denon (home to the Mona Lisa), Sully, and Richelieu wings but the crowds are also the most extensive here so prep accordingly.A quick visit can take 2–3 hours, but art lovers often spend an entire day exploring.If you're not fluent in English/French, opt for a tour guide or audio guides. These can enrich your experience and provide context on the museum’s history and its masterpieces.Facilities: Lockers, cafés, and rest areas are available inside, but avoid large bags or backpacks, as security is strict. Travel News - Find latest news and tips based on Indian and World travel including top 10 travel destination, tourism information, how to reach visit and more at Times Now.
