The Louvre

I sit beside a sparkling river in a city of lights called Paris. My walls are made of old, grand stone that whisper stories of kings and queens. But right in my courtyard, a giant, shiny glass pyramid winks at the sun! It looks like a diamond. People from all over the world come to see me. Their footsteps echo in my long halls as they look around with big, curious eyes. They wonder what treasures I keep inside. Are you wondering too? I am the Louvre Museum!

I wasn't always a home for art. A very, very long time ago, around the year 1190, a king named Philip II built me. He said, “I need a strong fortress to protect my city!” So my walls were thick and tough. As hundreds of years passed, I changed. Kings and queens decided to make me their beautiful palace. They added sparkly chandeliers and soft velvet curtains. They filled my rooms with fancy furniture, and most importantly, they started collecting amazing paintings and sculptures. They loved beautiful things! Then, a big change happened in France. The people decided that everyone, not just kings and queens, should get to see these wonderful treasures. So, in the year 1793, my doors were opened for the very first time as a museum for all people to enjoy. I was so happy to welcome everyone inside.

Now, I am one of the biggest and most famous museums in the whole world! I hold thousands of stories told through art. I have a very famous painting of a lady with a secret smile—her name is the Mona Lisa! People line up just to say hello to her. I also have ancient treasures from a faraway land called Egypt, like real stone sphinxes that have watched over the pyramids. I even have beautiful statues like the Venus de Milo, who has stood proudly without her arms for a very long time. Every day, I watch as visitors, especially kids like you, look up with wide eyes, discovering something amazing. I am a place where you can travel through time and visit faraway lands without ever leaving my walls. I love sharing my treasures and making your imagination sparkle. I hope one day you will come visit me and find a new story to love.