Originally a late-twelfth or early-thirteenth-century fortress in Paris, it became the main residence of the French kings in 1546. After Louis XIV moved his main residence to Versailles, it became a place to store the royal collection and later home to the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture. The French National Assembly decreed it should become a museum and it opened in 1793. It is now the world's largest art museum.
The Louvre
Fact of the Day
King Edward II faced invasion in 1326, when an army from France landed in Suffolk. The army was commanded by his wife.
Quote of the Day
"Truly, when the day of judgement comes, it will not be a question of what we have read, but what we have done.
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~ Thomas à Kempis, 15th century
On This Day
1282 The last native Prince of Wales, Llewelyn ap Gruffydd, died
1688 King James II tried to flee to France during the Glorious Revolution. He was captured but allowed to escape again later that month.
1936 Edward VIII abdicated in order to marry American divorcee and socialite Wallis Simpson.
1941 Germany and Italy declared war on the USA.
1972 Apollo 17 became the last mission to land on the moon.