Louvre pyramid glass

The Louvre Pyramid, inaugurated in 1989, is one of Paris' most iconic architectural works, made of glass and metal.

About this subject

The Louvre Pyramid, designed by Chinese-American architect Ieoh Ming Pei, was inaugurated on March 29, 1989, as the new main entrance to the Louvre Museum in Paris. The structure consists of 673 glass panels and 603 metal pieces, forming a pyramid 21.6 meters high and 35.4 meters wide at the base. The project was commissioned by French President François Mitterrand as part of the Grand Louvre, a modernization plan that included expanding exhibition space and creating a vast underground lobby. The choice of a glass pyramid sparked intense controversy at the time, with critics viewing it as a dissonant element amid the Renaissance and classical architecture of the palace. However, over time, the pyramid became a modern symbol of Paris and an internationally recognized architectural landmark. The glass used is laminated, 2.5 cm thick, and was produced by the French company Saint-Gobain. The structure was designed to be light and transparent, allowing natural light into the underground lobby, which houses ticket offices, shops, and access to the museum's wings. The central pyramid is flanked by three smaller pyramids and reflective pools. Symbolically, Pei sought a universal and timeless form, referencing Egyptian pyramids but using a modern material that interacts with light and the surroundings. The entire Grand Louvre project cost about 7 billion French francs (equivalent to approximately 1.4 billion euros today). Today, the pyramid is one of the most photographed tourist attractions in the world, receiving millions of visitors annually.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many glass panels does the Louvre Pyramid have?

The Louvre Pyramid has 673 laminated glass panels, each 2.5 cm thick, manufactured by Saint-Gobain.

Why was the pyramid controversial when it was built?

Many critics saw it as a modern intrusion into the historic Renaissance palace, but over time it became an iconic symbol.

What are the height and width of the Louvre Pyramid?

The pyramid is 21.6 meters high and 35.4 meters wide at the base.