The Louvre, a historic monument in Paris, cannot be fully appreciated in a single visit due to its immense size built up over eight centuries. Originally constructed as a fortress in the 13th century, it evolved into a royal residence and finally a public museum declared during the French Revolution. Various rulers contributed to its architectural expansion, culminating in the controversial addition of I. M. Pei's glass pyramid in 1989, which significantly enhanced the museum's entrance and modern aesthetic.
To grow so vast has taken eight centuries, a process explained in under three minutes by the official video animated above.
Setting aside just one day for the Louvre is a classic first-time Paris visitor's mistake.
It was only during the French Revolution, toward the end of that century, that the National Assembly declared it a museum.
The pyramid may still have an air of controversy these three and a half decades later, but you can hardly deny that it at least improves upon the Cour Carrée's years as a parking lot.
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