Paris Museums/Memorials
The Louvre
One of the world’s most renowned cultural institutions, the Louvre is an iconic symbol of art and history. Originally built as a fortress in the 12th century, the Louvre underwent several transformations before being established as a public museum in 1793. Today, it houses over 38,000 works of art spanning various periods and civilizations. Among its most famous exhibits is Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, the Mona Lisa as well as the Winged Victory of Samothrace, the Venus de Milo, and the Code of Hammurabi.
Art & Museum
Antiquities
Musee D'Orsay
The Musee D’Orsay opened its doors in 1986, repurposing the former Gare d’Orsay railway station. It was transformed into a museum to bridge the gap between the Louvre and the Centre Pompidou, showcasing art from the mid-19th century to the early 20th century. The museum features paintings, sculptures, decorative arts, photography, and furniture showcasing various artistic movements such as Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, Realism, and Art Nouveau.
The Building & Architecture
The Artwork
The Sculptures
The Pantheon
The Pantheon was built between 1758 and completed in 1790 by order from Louis XV (who incidentally never got to see it completed). Originally intended as a church dedicated to Saint Genevieve (Paris’s patron saint), it was decided in 1791 to change it’s use to a Mausoleum for people of national importance. The decision on who is interred here has changed over the years from Napoleon Bonaparte during the 1st Republic through to the President in the present day.
Les Invalides
Constructed by Louis XIV in the 17th century, Les Invalides was originally built as a hospital and retirement home for war veterans. Today, it houses several notable attractions including the Musée de l’Armée & the Tomb of Napoleon Bonaparte. While the original purpose as a hospital for veterans has evolved over time, part of the complex still serves as a military hospital, although much of the space is dedicated to the museum and cultural attractions.
Musée de l'Orangerie
The Musée de l’Orangerie, is a renowned art museum located in the Tuileries Gardens. The museum houses Claude Monet’s “Water Lilies” series, a set of large-scale murals that Monet painted specifically for the museum. These panoramic paintings, are displayed in two oval-shaped rooms designed to create an immersive experience for the patrons. Alongside Monet’s Water Lilies, the museum features pieces by artists such as Renoir, Cézanne, Modigliani, Picasso, Rousseau, and Matisse.
