Lefuel staircase, Monumental staircase in Richelieu Wing of Louvre Museum, Paris, France.
Description
The Lefuel staircase is a monumental stone staircase in the Richelieu Wing of the Louvre with twin symmetrical flights, marble cladding, and bronze railings. Stone sculptures line the walls, emphasizing the grandeur of this upward passage.
History
The staircase was built between 1852 and 1858 by architect Hector-Martin Lefuel during the expansion of the Louvre under Napoleon III. It was part of a major transformation of the palace to restore its splendor as an imperial residence.
Culture
The staircase sits near the Winged Victory of Samothrace and links the museum's Sculptures Department with galleries of Northern European paintings. You can sense how this space connects different parts of the art collection as you move between them.
Practical
Most visitors overlook this staircase in favor of the nearby escalator, making it a quiet spot for photography. The ascent offers good views and is easy to access when you explore the sculpture galleries.
Did you know?
At the top of the staircase sits a permanently sealed door that once led to Napoleon III's imperial apartments. This hidden detail reveals how the palace once combined private living spaces with exhibition areas.
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