Originally a keep, the Louvre was turned into a castle by Charles V in the 1300’s. As the centuries went on, the castle grew from a turreted, typically medieval-looking fortress, to an giant Renaissance palace. Wings and grand staircases were added on by kings and rulers as late as Napoleon III’s reign in the 19th century. Today, one can view some of the foundations of the original castle within the museum, but the outside remains a regal combination of Renaissance-style facades and spacious courtyards. With one major change: in 1989, architect I.M. Pei designed an enormous glass pyramid in one of the courtyards. Today, this pyramid, which surprisingly contrasts beautifully with the architecture around it, serves as the Louvre’s main entrance.

Parts of the Louvre have been open to the public since 1793. Today, it’s said that if one were to stare at each work inside for 7 seconds, he or she would be in the museum for more than a year. Needless to say, it’s more or less impossible to see everything in just one afternoon (or even pass through all the rooms!). If one has the time, the best thing is to take the Louvre slowly, visiting a few of its distinct sections each day. If one has only a few hours to spare, here are a few things that shouldn't be missed. First off, there are the three "ladies of the Louvre": the "Venus de Milo" (as lovely as she’s made out to be), the "Winged Victory of Samothrace", a Hellenistic sculpture of a winged figure that is marvellously and gloriously displayed at the top of a high staircase leading into the Italian art section, and, of course, the "Mona Lisa". Many visitors will be surprised to find out how small Mona is beneath her case of bullet-proof glass, but they will be thrilled by the splendid details and sfumato that make her up…if they can work their way through the perpetual crowd of tourists for a closer look. It’s easy to find these three "ladies", signs with their pictures signal where to go.

But there are many other reasons to visit the Louvre, too. Like Canova’s gorgeous, delicate marble sculpture "Cupid and Psyche", or two of Michelangelo’s Slave sculptures, for example. Come and visit the Louvre Museum. You won't be the same after this visit!