The Louvre Museum in Paris has a rich history dating back to the late 12th century when it was originally built as a fortress by King Philip II. Over the centuries, it evolved from a royal residence to one of the world’s largest and most visited museums. During the French Revolution, it was transformed into a public museum, showcasing an extensive collection of art and artifacts. Today, the Louvre houses over 35,000 works of art, including iconic masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, making it a symbol of art and culture worldwide.