Louvre Pyramid, Glass and steel pyramid entrance at Cour Napoléon, France
The Louvre Pyramid is a glass entrance structure in the Cour Napoléon in the 1st arrondissement of Paris, France. The structure consists of 673 transparent panels mounted on a frame of steel and aluminium, reaching a height of roughly 22 meters with a base measuring approximately 35 by 37 meters (115 by 121 feet).
President François Mitterrand commissioned architect I. M. Pei in 1981 to design a new entrance for the museum, which at the time could only be reached through scattered entrances in the side wings. The completed structure opened in 1989 and initially sparked debate due to its modern design in the middle of the historic palace complex.
The transparent shape recalls ancient Egyptian building forms and creates a clear contrast with the palace facades from the 17th and 18th centuries surrounding it. Visitors often meet on the flat steps at the base of the structure, where you can overlook the courtyard and take a short break before entering the museum.
An underground lobby beneath the structure distributes visitors to the three wings of the museum and also houses lockers and information desks. The surrounding courtyard offers several landmarks, making it easy to find individual collection areas or take a short rest before continuing.
The glass panels required over two years of development to find a formula ensuring complete transparency while meeting structural demands. At night, the structure is lit from within, making it appear like a glowing crystal in the dark courtyard.
Location: 1st arrondissement of Paris
Inception: 1981
Architects: I. M. Pei
Creator: I. M. Pei
Official opening: 1989
Architectural style: Egyptian Revival architecture
Length: 35.42 m
Width: 37 m
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Made from material: glass, steel, aluminium
Part of: Louvre Palace
Address: 75001 Paris, France
Opening Hours: Monday 09:00-18:00; Wednesday 09:00-21:45; Thursday 09:00-18:00; Friday 09:00-21:45; Saturday-Sunday 09:00-18:00
Phone: +33140205317
Website: https://louvre.fr/decouvrir/le-palais/une-pyramide-pour-symbole
GPS coordinates: 48.86100,2.33586
Latest update: December 23, 2025 06:59
20th and 21st-century architecture has transformed city centers with structures that push engineering boundaries. Observation towers like the Seattle Space Needle and experimental residential complexes like Habitat 67 in Montreal demonstrate the evolution of construction techniques. Architects have...
Postmodern architecture emerged in the 1970s as a response to the rigid principles of modernism, reintroducing color, ornament, and historical references into contemporary building design. The movement evolved over decades, producing structures that challenge conventional forms and experiment with...
Paris offers many options for families with children, from large amusement parks to interactive museums. Disneyland Paris in Marne-la-Vallée features two themed parks focused on Disney characters, while Parc Astérix in Plailly offers roller coasters and shows inspired by Gaulish culture. In the...
Some buildings have caused waves of criticism when they were built. Their unusual shape, large size, or high cost led to strong reactions. The Louvre pyramid in Paris, with its glass structure in the middle of a classical palace, surprised Parisians in the 1980s. The Guggenheim Museum in New York,...
Louvre Museum
13 m
Louvre Palace
4 m
Hommes illustres
60 m
The Flight into Egypt
13 m
Bust of Cardinal Richelieu
41 m
Equestrian statue of Louis XIV
65 m
Pavillon Turgot
107 m
Denon Wing
102 m
Richelieu Wing
106 m
Pavillon Denon
73 mCour Napoléon
45 m
La Sculpture et la Peinture
101 m
Aile Turgot
85 m
Pavillon Colbert
104 m
Aile de la Bibliothèque
106 m
Jean-Baptiste Colbert
4 m
Escalier du Ministre
85 m
Aile du Manège
104 m
Aile Mollien
85 m
Pavillon Richelieu
76 m
Aile Daru
83 m
Aile Colbert
88 m
Fountain of the Louvre Pyramid
27 mL'Art
94 mCariatides
104 mWork of art, sculpture
102 mMemorial, commemorative plaque, information board
103 mHommage à Arago
78 mVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes