Pavillon de Marsan

The Pavillon de Marsan sits at the northwestern corner of the Louvre complex and features a distinctive copper-winged lion crowning its southern pediment. Today it houses the Musée des Arts Décoratifs with a dedicated library available to visitors.

The structure was built in 1664 by Louis Le Vau and later destroyed during the Paris Commune of 1871. Its reconstruction between 1874 and 1879 gave it the appearance visitors see today.

The facade displays eight pediments with allegorical sculptures created by different artists, representing subjects like astronomy and peace. These artworks reflect 19th-century artistic ideas about knowledge and human ideals.

The building is located at the heart of Paris as part of the Louvre complex and is easily accessible by public transport. Access to the museum and its library is typically available during daytime hours, with regular opening hours to be checked.

The name comes from Marie Louise de Rohan, known as Madame de Marsan, who kept an apartment there in the 18th century. This historical link to a notable aristocratic figure gave the pavilion its enduring name.

Location: 1st arrondissement of Paris

Inception: 1664

Architects: Louis Le Vau, Charles Percier Bassant, Pierre-François-Léonard Fontaine, Hector-Martin Lefuel

Part of: Richelieu Wing, Louvre Palace, Tuileries Palace

GPS coordinates: 48.86341,2.33234

Latest update: December 10, 2025 16:22