The meaning of the word "Louvre" remains mysterious, with no clear explanation of its origins. Today it is closely associated with one of the most prestigious museums in the world, and enjoys a fame that somehow overshadows the tumultuous path that led to the contemporary institution as we know it. This book tells the tale of the eight centuries that shaped the monumental royal palace, from its beginnings as a medieval fortress to the "Great Louvre" known worldwide today, and provides the reader with an in-depth visual and historical depiction of its various incarnations. A breathtaking saga, glamorous and dramatic, that reads like a novel, the story of the Louvre offers unique insights into the history of France and Europe.