Napoleon III Apartments

The Napoleon III Apartments are a luxury residence within the Louvre comprising eleven rooms decorated with gold leaf, silk, and crystal chandeliers that showcase mid-19th century opulence. The layout combines private living spaces with formal reception rooms and preserves a complete interior from that period.

Built between 1857 and 1860 by architect Hector Lefuel, these rooms were designed as the official residence of the Minister of State during France's Second Empire. This period represented a time when Napoleon III sought to reshape French architecture and demonstrate imperial grandeur.

The apartments reflect how wealthy and powerful ministers lived during the Second Empire, through their furniture, decorations, and room layouts. Visitors can see how important people of that time worked and hosted guests, from private offices to grand reception spaces.

The apartments are located on the first floor of the Richelieu wing and are easily accessible from the Louvre's main entrances. Visitors should allow ample time to walk through all the rooms slowly and observe the decorative details throughout.

The main salon was designed to function as both a reception room and a performance space, with a dedicated platform for musicians positioned above the main floor. This dual-purpose design reveals how these rooms adapted to host both formal gatherings and cultural events.