Image: The Louvre Pyramid, photo by Anders Bengtsson
Over the course of 2019, the Musée du Louvre is celebrating the Pyramid’s 30th anniversary.
Announced in September 1981 by French President François Mitterrand, the Grand Louvre project had the aim of devoting the whole palace, up until then partially occupied by the Ministry of Finance, to the museum. This immense construction project provided an opportunity to redesign visitor reception and the display of the artworks.
The Louvre Pyramid, photo by Anders Bengtsson
Ieoh Ming Pei, the American architect of Chinese descent, conceived of a simplified entrance to the museum and proposed the construction of a glass pyramid in the center of the Cour Napoléon.
This project stirred up a great deal of controversy in the press, with criticism of the architect’s bold intervention on a monument emblematic of the history of France. The Pyramid nevertheless embodies the Louvre’s identity, rooted in history and firmly open to the world.
Starting on March 29, 2019, visitors can celebrate this anniversary through a series of free festive public events, including major happenings right in the Cour Napoléon, a weekend of activities for families, concerts and dance performances, and a photo exhibition. Symposia and conferences round out this rich program, shedding light on the back story of this monumental building project.
