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The museum is housed in the Louvre Palace which was originally designed as a fortress in the twelfth century under the reign of Philip II. The ruins of this fortress can still be seen today. The building continued to be extended many times over the centuries until it reached its current form Louvre Palace. In 1674 the residence of the kings of France was moved to the Palace of Versailles and thus Louvre Palace remained the main place where the royal collections of art were exhibited. During the French Revolution it was decided that the Louvre museum and host to become the most precious masterpieces of French people. 
When opened, on 10 August 1793, the museum presented a collection of 537 paintings, the majority are works confiscated from the Church and the French monarchy. During Napoleon's museum has greatly increased collection and changed the name of the Napoleon Museum. After Napoleon's defeat many of the works he seized were returned to their rightful owners. But museum collection continued to increase; During the Second Empire won over 20,000 pieces. The number of works of art owned by the Louvre continued to grow steadily in gifts and donations except the two world wars.
Since 2008 Louvre Museum collection is divided into eight different categories: Ancient Egypt; Near Eastern Antiquities; Greek, Etruscan and Roman Empire; Islamic Art; Sculpture; Decorative Arts; painting; Prints and Drawings. Today the museum houses over 380,000 objects and 35,000 works of art. Over 60,000 square feet of permanent exhibits are dedicated. Of the 15,000 daily visitors 65% are foreigners.
The collection includes over 6,000 paintings dating from parts XIII until 1848 can be found in the Louvre and Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece, Mona Lisa among other works of art of inestimable value.
Tuileries Gardens are located near the Louvre Palace. Tuileries Palace was burned and was not rebuilt, but its gardens were refurbished. When the weather is nice is really spectacular and worth visiting.
Subway : Palais-Royal-Musée station du Louvre
The following bus lines stop in front of the pyramid of the Louvre: 21, 24, 27, 39, 48, 68, 69, 72, 81, 95, and Paris Open Tour bus.
An underground parking is made available to those arriving by car. Its entrance is at Général Lemonnier. The car park is open daily from 7 am to 11 pm
The museum is open daily from 9 am to 6 pm except Tuesday and the following days:
1 January, 1 May, 11 November, 25 of December. Museum closes early at 5 pm on 24 and 31 December. Wednesdays and Fridays the museum is open until 10 pm
Entrance to the Louvre is free the first Sunday of each month.
Prices:
€ 9 - ticket valid all day except for the permanent exhibition hall exhibition Napoleon. This ticket is valid and Eugène Delacroix museum.
€ 6 - This ticket is valid from 6 pm until 9:45 pm on Wednesdays and Fridays.
€ 13 - combined ticket that provides access to both the permanent collection and exhibitions Personnel.
€ 11 - combined ticket that provides access to both the permanent collection and exhibitions Personnel from 6 pm until 9:45 pm on Wednesdays and Fridays.
People under 18 can enter for free (requires an ID). The other categories receive free entry such as disabled and their attendants, teachers and art students.
Fridays after 6 pm youth under 26 years have free entry.
