Aile de Flore, Palace wing in 1st arrondissement, France
Aile de Flore is a wing of the Louvre Palace that stretches from the Pavillon des Sessions to the Pavillon de Flore along the Seine River. It contains the graphic arts collection reserves on upper floors, with classrooms and study spaces occupying the ground level and basement.
Construction began in 1595 under Henry IV as part of the Grand Gallery project to link the Louvre with the Tuileries Palace. The facades received their final artistic treatment in the mid-1800s.
The École du Louvre teaches art history, archaeology, and museum studies within this wing to students from around the world. You can see the school's activity through the windows and notice how the historic spaces have been adapted for modern education.
Access is typically limited to students and professionals since it serves educational and research functions. The graphic collections can be viewed by appointment with prior permission from the Louvre administration.
The riverside side displays elaborate sculptures created by Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux that ornament the building with artistic sophistication. The side facing the former Tuileries Palace was designed by a different artist, revealing two distinct artistic approaches.
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