In 1981, when I. M. Pei was chosen as the architect to redesign Musée du Louvre, his plan included not only renovating the Cour Napoléon but also the interior of the museum. He proposed a central underground entrance which would link all three buildings. In the center of the large courtyard would be a glass and steel pyramid which would be placed above the entrance and serve as a skylight. Another inverted pyramid underneath the entrance would allow sunlight to enter the underground shopping mall. Initially the design and concept were despised. How could a Chinese architect from America know anything about French architecture? A modern-designed pyramid in front of the classical French architecture of the Louvre? Once the courtyard was reopened in 1988 and the new clear-glass pyramid entrance in the following Spring, public opinion had changed, with over half of those polled in favor of the design. Now, as it was initially with the Eiffel Tower, Parisians have not only accepted their pyramid, but are actually quite fond of it. In this photo you see the large pyramid entrance set amid triangular-shaped fountains and three other small pyramids. The pyramid really does blend in quite beautifully with the classical architecture.
original photo:
original photo:
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A Great Europe Trip Planner
Photo taken by me during my visit to Paris.
Waterlogue images created by me. Unauthorized use is prohibited.
