The Louvre Pyramid, designed by Chinese-American architect I.M. Pei and inaugurated in 1989 by President François Mitterrand, is far more than a museum entrance – it’s a global icon of modernity situated in the historic Cour Napoléon.

Echoing the proportions of the Egyptian Khufu Pyramid, it stands 21.64 m tall on a 35.42 m square base. Comprised of 603 glass rhombuses and 70 triangular panes, it’s supported by a steel (95 t) and aluminum (105 t) framework. The glass, made incredibly transparent using specialized Fontainebleau sand, showcases an impressive VEC lamination technique.

Part of the Grand Louvre project (1981–1989), its primary function was to centralize museum access in the underground Hall Napoléon, with direct routes to the Sully, Richelieu, and Denon wings. This hall houses ticket booths, an auditorium, shops, cafés, and connects to the Carrousel du Louvre underground mall and Palais‑Royal metro station.

At its unveiling, the pyramid sparked heated controversies—criticized as a “pharaonic folly,” a modern blot on a classical palace, or even labeled “Satanic” due to rumors of 666 glass panels—but today it stands as a beloved emblem of Paris . Mitterrand was mockingly dubbed “Pharaoh François”.

The mythical 666-panels rumor persists, opposite to the verified 673 . A lesser-known inverted pyramid below the Carrousel echoes the main one inverted.

The atmosphere shifts from tourist buzz—iconic selfies and night illuminations—to cultural reverence. Millions visit yearly, drawn by art, architecture, and history. Architectural enthusiasts appreciate the bold fusion of contemporary glass and royal legacy. Come dusk, the pyramid lights up the courtyard in fairy-tale grandeur.

Audience: international travelers, architecture lovers, families, history buffs. The site serves as a cultural hub, evoking curiosity and wonder.

Anecdotes include an earlier 1809 pyramid proposal by Balzac to honor Napoleon, revived by Pei ; archaeological excavations uncovered medieval remains, kickstarting preventive archaeology.

Practical info: follows Louvre hours—open 9 am–6 pm (closed Tuesdays), late opening (9 pm) on Wednesdays and Fridays, with last entry one hour before closing. Entry to the pyramid and hall is free; only museum tickets are charged. Accessible to wheelchair users; facilities include restrooms, Wi‑Fi, shops and eateries.