10 Things You Didn't Know About the Louvre Museum

The Louvre Museum in Paris, also known as the Louvre or the Louvre-Lens, houses the most famous and most visited art museum in the world. It’s home to thousands of famous artworks, including Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and Winged Victory of Samothrace. Did you know that...? Here are 10 things you didn’t know about the Louvre Museum in Paris.

1) The first building was built in 1190

The first building of what is now known as The Louvre was constructed between 1190 and 1202, during Philip II's reign, who later went on to become King of France. Unfortunately, nothing remains from that original structure, so we can only imagine what it would have looked like. It was destroyed by fire in 1546: In 1546, a large fire broke out in Paris and consumed many buildings, including some parts of The Louvre. It wasn't until after World War I that rebuilding began: After World War, I ended in 1918, rebuilding began at The Louvre in 1920. It took 11 years to complete: Construction finished in 1931 after 11 years of construction—quite a long time for such a big project! A former president oversaw its completion: Former French President Albert Lebrun oversaw the construction and officially opened The Louvre Museum in 1937. Napoleon III started collecting art there: Before Lebrun became president, Napoleon III started collecting art at The Louvre—in fact, he bought more than 100 paintings while he was there!

2) Leonardo da Vinci is responsible for some paintings

The Virgin of The Rocks, The Last Supper, and some others. He is more famous for his inventions: scuba diving equipment, hang gliders, parachutes... to name a few. Some of his paintings are housed in this museum in Paris. Leonardo da Vinci is responsible for some paintings: The Virgin of The Rocks, The Last Supper, and some others. He is more famous for his inventions: scuba diving equipment, hang gliders, parachutes... to name a few.

3) Napoleon Bonaparte opened it as a public museum

The museum was first opened to the public in 1793 when Napoleon Bonaparte, then First Consul of France, ordered works from private collections to be transferred there. Since then it has been expanded and increased in size. It is now one of Paris's most popular tourist destinations with millions of tourists every year. In 2012, 7.3 million people visited the Louvre, making it both one of Paris' top tourist attractions and an important contributor to its economy. It is also a historic landmark since all future French presidents are required by law to give their inaugural address there (see French presidential inauguration). For example: When François Hollande gave his speech at the museum's courtyard on May 15th, 2012 he became only the second president ever to do so (the first being Valéry Giscard d'Estaing). Hollande used Giscard's words for his speech: We will live together or we will die alone.

4) There are more than 35,000 works of art at the Louvre

The most popular attraction in Paris, and indeed one of Europe’s most-visited attractions, is home to more than 35,000 pieces of art—representing a wide range of periods, cultures, and styles. Artworks from Leonardo da Vinci, Gustave Courbet, and Vincent van Gogh are shown here. But so are many lesser-known works that deserve equal attention.

5) A huge pyramid stands outside...

There is a pyramid outside both The Louvre, in Paris, and at The National Louvre museum. Paris’s pyramid is only visible from within its Musee du Louvre, while New York’s can be seen from nearby streets. (More information about the latter can be found on our sister site.) If you visit Paris, definitely make it a point to check out these pyramids!

6) ...and not all rooms are open to the public

The National Louvre Museum contains over 60,000 artworks, sculptures, and exhibits, including some of the Western Civilization's most iconic pieces of art and artifacts. However, only a select few rooms are open to the public. And no, it's not because museums in Paris don't want to share! These particular rooms require preservation work before they can be seen by museum-goers.

7) It has been robbed several times

In 1801, one of Napoleon’s generals raided it, stealing three hundred paintings. In 1911, an Italian who called himself Vincenzo Perugia stole Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa from its display (and was eventually caught after he tried to sell it in Florence). Most recently in 2012, two men with pistols and a hammer evaded security to steal two paintings by Edouard Manet and Pablo Picasso worth $123 million.

8) Postcards from around 1900 show people taking selfies with her...

The Venus de Milo is believed to be a depiction of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty. It is displayed at the Louvre in Paris, France. She was discovered by a peasant on April 8, 1820, on Milos Island near Greece. She has been on display since 1821. Postcards from around 1900 show people taking selfies with her before she had her arms!

9) If you want to see great works of art but don’t have time for an extended visit...

If you want to see great works of art but don’t have time for an extended visit to Paris, visit the National Louvre Museum. The museum is located inside a pyramid-shaped glass structure called the glass cube, and it contains more than 36,000 pieces of art. Here are 10 things you didn’t know about one of Europe's most famous museums.

10) They say Mona Lisa is smiling because she’s hiding here (but isn’t)

Known as La Joconde in French, which translates to the laughing one, Mona Lisa was last stolen from her home in 1914. Yet, she can still be found smiling inside Paris’s Palais du Louvre museum—and yes, in multiple places. The most famous painting of all time is a part of two different artworks: La Gioconda and La Joconde. The first is an oil painting by Leonardo da Vinci that now hangs in France’s Musée du Louvre, while its replica sits behind bulletproof glass at Italy's Uffizi Gallery.

Carlsbad Caverns National Park USA - What's so special about it?

What’s so special about Carlsbad Caverns? Why are Carlsbad Caverns closed? In which US state are Carlsbad Caverns located? Well, let me tell you! If you’re one of the many people who are fascinated by caves, then you’ll want to visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park USA if you get the chance. It’s an incredibly unique and special place that you can learn more about in this article!

A Closer Look at an Adventurous Trip to Carlsbad Caverns

Carlsbad Caverns National Park, in southeastern New Mexico near Carlsbad, is one of more than 400 US national parks. But what makes Carlsbad unique is its cavern. There are two: Lechuguilla Cave and Carlsbad Cavern. They're both parts of a larger cave system that runs beneath much of southeastern New Mexico. The caves have been formed by an underground river that has been flowing for at least 5 million years! If you'd like to see them for yourself, book a trip to Carlsbad Caverns National Park today!

How Long Does it Take to Visit Carlsbad Caverns?

If you’re visiting Carlsbad Caverns National Park, you need to know how long it takes to visit. If you have limited time in Carlsbad, don’t waste precious minutes hiking to a cave that you can only see from a distance. Instead, make sure you book ahead and reserve your tickets for Guadalupe Room Tour or Painted Cave Tour—the best ways to experience Carlsbad Caverns.

Which Is Better, Guided Tour or Self-Guided Tour of the Caves?

While Carlsbad Caverns National Park is a must-see for any visitor to New Mexico, which tour is better: guided or self-guided? Both have advantages and disadvantages. It’s a matter of personal preference. Those who are claustrophobic will do well with a guided tour, while those who want to take their time may prefer to go at their own pace with a self-guided tour.

Is Carlsbad Caverns Closed on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays?

Although National Parks are closed on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, Carlsbad Caverns National Park is an exception. The park remains open until 5:00 pm on these days. In addition to staying open every day of the week, National Parks also remain free to visit every day of the year. This means that even if you’re visiting on a Monday or Wednesday when National Parks are normally closed, you can still visit Carlsbad Caverns for free!

Where Are The Entrances to the Caves at Carlsbad Caverns National Park?

There are three main entrances to Carlsbad Caverns National Park, in New Mexico. One is at Guadalupe Peak, one is in McKittrick Canyon and one is closer to town and known as Carlsbad. All of these entrances lead into a visitor center, where tickets are sold and tours begin. A self-guided tour takes visitors down 220 steps through a natural limestone tunnel created by erosion.

Where Are Carlsbad Caverns Located in New Mexico, United States of America?

Carlsbad Caverns National Park is located in southeastern New Mexico, north of Carlsbad and just west of Artesia. The park, which is a group of caves and caverns formed over many thousands of years, is approximately a 90-minute drive south from Roswell (or 1 hour north from Hobbs) on US-285. There are no roads into or through any of the caverns; access is by elevator only.

Interesting Facts About Americana's Natural Wonder, Carlsbad Caverns National Park the USA

It's not just their status as a National Park that makes Carlsbad Caverns such a special place. The park offers numerous year-round activities, such as hiking and driving tours, rappelling, and spelunking. Throughout your visit, you can take advantage of informative guided tours and ranger talks. If you're lucky enough to be visiting during one of their many unique events throughout the year, you'll be sure to have an unforgettable time. Every month is different at Carlsbad Caverns National Park USA!

Venice, Italy--Known as the Most Romantic City in the World

What is the city Venice famous for? Why is Venice city in water? Is Venice a city or a country? What city is Venice known as? Do people live in Venice? How old is Venice Italy? Why Venice Italy is famous? Are there cars in Venice? All these questions will be answered by reading this article!

Venice: A City on Water

Venice is a city located on several small islands at the mouth of the Po River in Northern Italy. The Italian region of Veneto has an area that is roughly 30% water. Because Venice was first built and developed over marshy swampland, sinking pilings or foundations into a marsh or sea-bottom mud would have been extremely difficult—so it’s no surprise that Venice is built upon a series of more than 100 small islands ranging from 50 to 150 feet above sea level.

Venice Population

The population of Venice is a bit hard to determine since many residents don’t live in Venice proper. In 2015, around 55,000 people were registered to live within Venice city limits and there are roughly 150,000 more people who call nearby Mestre home but work within Venice each day. While it’s always been true that most Venetians don’t reside within Venice itself, estimates have fluctuated wildly over time. In 1864, just 16 years after Napoleon implemented democratic reforms across Europe, census takers counted 1109 people living within city limits and another 4237 outside of them.

Things to do in Venice

1. Venice is located in northern Italy near Verona and Vicenza. 2. Venice has a population of about 180,000 people. 3. Venice is built on an archipelago of 118 islands. 4. Visitors enjoy historic landmarks such as St Mark's Square, Doge's Palace, and Bridge of Sighs.. 5. Many visitors stay in one of the hundreds of hotels or rent a flat on the outskirts of Venice to enjoy their vacation to the fullest. 6. Venice is famous for its romantic setting and beautiful canals. 7. The Venice Carnival (Carnevale di Venezia) starts each year on November 11th and ends on Shrove Tuesday (Martedì Grasso). 8. There are cars in Venice but there are also vaporetti which are water buses that transport passengers around Venice city . 9. People live in Venice because it's home to many Venetians who work there every day! 10. You can visit Venice any time of year, but you will find it very hot if you go during summer! 11. The first recorded history of Venice was when Julius Caesar founded Padua nearby.. 12. How old is Venice? Founded by Julius Caesar in 59 BC! 13.

Best Places to Eat in Venice

Venice is a city that’s known for its romantic vibe. To truly experience Venice, you have to feel like you are part of its culture. Eat where Venetians eat. The most popular places to eat in Venice include Al Mercà, Trattoria San Barnaba, and Da Fiore. These restaurants offer fresh seafood at affordable prices and offer great views of the Venetian canals. You can also try eating at local trattorias (small restaurants) or bacari (wine bars). Many locals go out for dinner around 9 p.m., so be sure to get there early if you want to snag a table!

Best Places to Stay in Venice

Venice is an island city connected to a mainland portion called Mestre. Cars are not allowed in Venice proper, so you’ll need to take a bus from Mestre. There are also canals connecting Venice and Mestre, but only for water transport. That means that if you’re looking for places to stay in Venice proper (as opposed to Mestre), you won’t be able to drive into town—you’ll need to find lodging close enough by foot or boat to get yourself there each day. We recommend staying within walking distance of San Marco Square and Piazza San Marco or near St Mark's Basilica.

Getting Around Venice, Italy

Venice is a city that's famous for its canals. Venice streets are too narrow for cars and so travelers rely on smaller forms of transportation like boats or water taxis. Alternatively, pedestrians can use bridges or elevated walkways to traverse neighborhoods. Those who do drive must park outside of town at a lot before taking public transportation into Venice. Tourists can avoid traffic and parking hassles by purchasing an all-day ticket for about $18 (about £12). The all-day pass gives visitors access to public buses and ferries within Venice.

Victoria Harbor in Hong Kong - Why is it Famous?

Hong Kong's Victoria Harbor is one of the most famous harbors in the world, and it’s easy to see why. The harbor itself looks stunning, with its stunning skyline and skyscrapers reflecting in the water. The famous landmarks here include the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, the iconic IFC2 Building, Lippo Centre, Central Plaza, One Island East, and much more! But why is this harbor so famous? Where did its name come from? And how do you get to Victoria Harbor Hong Kong? To find out more about this harbor's history and location, read on!

Victoria Harbor History

Victoria Harbor, also known as Victoria Bay, was created by engineers from Britain's Royal Engineers. The harbor was completed on June 16, 1843, although dredging and other works continued for some time afterward. When it opened for business on July 1, 1843 (the same day that Queen Victoria ascended to become Empress of India), Victoria Harbour became a major port for Hong Kong.

Victoria Lake in Central, Hong Kong

Victoria Lake was built to provide a constant water supply to Victoria City (now Central), but these days people flock here for recreation. If you want to escape from city life and see some local wildlife, take a walk around Victoria Lake. It’s particularly picturesque at night when many of its footpaths are illuminated by lanterns—and if you’re lucky, you might even see a local family of giant turtles relaxing on one of its lakeside beaches.

Architecture Around Victoria Harbour

Victoria Harbor, on the southern coast of China and near Guangzhou, is one of Hong Kong's most famous landmarks. The waterfront district that makes up Victoria Harbor has several historically important and architecturally renowned buildings including Bank of China Tower, Central Plaza, Chungking Mansions (Kowloon), Exchange Square, Immigration Tower, and Star Ferry Terminal.

Victoria Peak and Victoria Harbour

Victoria Peak, sometimes known as Victoria Mount, and often simply The Peak, is a mountain on the western half of Hong Kong Island. It gives its name to several districts of Hong Kong: Central and Western District; Western District (including Soho); Eastern District; Southern District; Wan Chai District (including Causeway Bay); and also Victoria City. As with many other features around Hong Kong, it was named after Queen Victoria.

The Importance of Victoria Harbour Hong Kong

Victoria Harbour is one of Hong Kong's most famous locations. It was given its name after Queen Victoria, who reigned from 1837 to 1901, and has been known as Victoria Harbour ever since. The harbor itself serves as a major commercial port for Hong Kong (as well as Macau) and provides a natural breakwater for many of the city's docks. In addition to its use as a port, Victoria Harbour also functions as a popular tourist attraction with landmarks like Garden Island serving up breathtaking views of both sides of the Victoria Harbour

What You Need to Know About the Palace of Versailles in France

The Palace of Versailles, also known as the Château de Versailles, was built in France during the 17th century and remained the favorite home of French royalty until it was destroyed during the French Revolution in 1789. Nowadays, this iconic castle complex is open to visitors who want to learn more about this piece of French history in person, or by watching one of the many films or TV shows that have been filmed there over the years, such as Marie Antoinette and The Three Musketeers. Here’s what you need to know about how to visit this historic place today!

Where is it?

The Palace of Versailles is located just outside Paris, France. Founded by Louis XIV in 1682, it was constructed over about 20 years at a cost that surpassed $2 billion. This palace served as home to French royalty and government from 1682 until 1789. With 18 million visitors per year, it is one of France’s most visited tourist attractions.

When was it built?

The Palace of Versailles was built at the end of the 16th century by King Louis XIV and is located 25 miles from Paris. It was originally called Château de Versaille, named after its lovely setting on a bend (versus) in a local river. At that time, it was considered one of France’s largest palaces and was later expanded by Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette.

Who Designed it?

Architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart, with a little bit of help from his brother Robert. He was also responsible for turning Louis XIV’s hunting lodge into a palace, and today he’s considered one of Europe’s greatest Baroque architects. The most impressive part? It took him just four years to build it!

How did it change over time?

The royal family played a significant role during World War II when they housed refugees fleeing Nazi Germany. Today, it is home to a museum and hosts many events throughout the year. In 1992, it was designated as a UNESCO world heritage site. It’s one of several palaces that visitors can explore while touring Paris, including Château de Fontainebleau and Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines University.

Is it still used today?

The Palace was built for Louis XIV as a country retreat, and it remained his property until his death. After that, ownership was passed down through generations of royalty until it became the property of France itself. Today, all that’s left is a single wing, housing museums, and exhibitions on everything from French history to fashion to modern French art.

Extra Facts about the Palace of Versailles

Although its popularity may have waned over time, there is no denying that you simply must include a visit to Versailles on your vacation plans if you are planning a trip to Paris. The grandeur and history behind it are nothing short of incredible. There are many extra things for visitors to do around Versailles as well, so make sure you take advantage of them! Try visiting Disneyland Paris nearby or paragliding in nearby Vaucelles, France!