Louvre: A Royal Palace that became a museum

The Louvre is one of the greatest museums in the world, holding the rich artistic heritage of the French people from the early Capetian Kings through the Empire of Napoleon Bonaparte and to the present day. The Louvre is managed by the French state under the RŽunion des MusŽes Nationaux. The Louvre attracts millions of visitors every year from all over the world, with arguably the best art collection anywhere. Among the thousands of priceless paintings is the Mona Lisa.