The Louvre

I live in a beautiful city with a sparkling river that flows right by my side. In my courtyard, a giant, shiny pyramid made of glass glitters in the sun. It reflects the big, fancy buildings all around me. I am a special home for wonderful treasures from all over the world. I feel happy when I see children looking up at my glass pyramid with wide eyes. I am a place full of wonder. I am the Louvre.

A very long time ago, around the year 1190, a king named Philip II built me. I was not a palace then. I was a strong castle, made stone by stone, like stacking giant blocks. My job was to keep the whole city safe and sound. As time went by, other kings and queens decided to make me their beautiful home. They filled me with soft beds, long tables for yummy feasts, and grand halls for parties with music and dancing. I loved hearing the happy sounds echo through my rooms.

After the kings and queens moved away, I got a very important new job. In the year 1793, I opened my doors to everyone. I became a home for amazing art so that everyone could see it. Now, I have paintings of smiling ladies made by a famous artist named Leonardo da Vinci. I have strong stone statues that look like they could come to life, and I even have shiny jewels and treasures from ancient Egypt that sparkle under the lights. I love sharing these beautiful things with all my visitors.

Today, I am so happy when children like you come to visit me. You can walk through my long hallways and see stories from long, long ago in my paintings and statues. I love to hear your little footsteps and happy whispers. I am a place full of wonder and discovery, and I will always be here to share my treasures with you. I am here to help you imagine amazing things and inspire your own beautiful dreams.