Archaeology under the Louvre: The remains of the medieval fortress

Archaeological excavations carried out in the 1980s beneath the Louvre revealed fascinating remains of the original medieval fortress , built by Philip Augustus in the 12th century. Today, visitors can explore some of this hidden history in the museum’s galleries, where the foundations and fortifications are still visible. This underground journey offers a glimpse into the military history of Paris before the Louvre became the grand royal palace we know today.

A unique rediscovery

By exploring these underground passages, visitors discover the roots of the Louvre, at a time when Paris needed to protect itself from invasions. This fortress is a true medieval relic, reminding us that the building was much more than a palace before becoming a museum.

To explore contemporary works inspired by archaeological excavations and hidden treasures of history, visit our online gallery .

The Louvre's history is not limited to its imposing architecture and works of art: beneath its foundations lies a veritable archaeological mine , tracing centuries of Parisian history. Archaeology beneath the Louvre reveals the buried secrets of this historic site, which was once a medieval fortress.

Archaeological excavations:

• One of the greatest archaeological discoveries under the Louvre took place in the 1980s , during the construction of the Pyramid and the modernization of the museum. While digging under the Cour Carrée and the different wings of the museum, archaeologists discovered remains of the ancient Louvre fortress , built by King Philippe Auguste in 1190 to protect Paris from invasions.

Medieval foundations:

• The foundations of the medieval fortress are now on display in the Medieval Louvre , a dedicated space that allows visitors to walk through the ancient moat and observe the massive walls that surrounded the castle. These stone walls are a testament to the strategic importance of the Louvre, long before it became a royal palace and then a museum.

Remarkable discoveries:

• Among the discoveries under the Louvre, the remains of the central keep of the fortress, called the Grand Donjon , are particularly impressive. This keep symbolized royal power and constituted an impregnable stronghold.
• The excavations also uncovered artifacts such as pottery, weapons and medieval construction tools, revealing aspects of daily life at that time.

The Louvre over the centuries:

• The archaeology under the Louvre is not limited to the medieval period. The excavations have also uncovered traces of Roman occupation , revealing that this site was used well before the construction of the fortress.
• These excavations also provided a better understanding of the successive transformations of the Louvre, from a fortress to a royal palace under François I, then to a national museum during the French Revolution.

The Louvre today:

• Today, visitors can discover these fascinating remains during their visit to the museum. The medieval Louvre offers a route under the Louvre galleries, where one can walk through the ancient fortifications and explore some of the hidden history of the monument.

A living site:

• The archaeology beneath the Louvre continues to uncover new mysteries. Even though much of the excavation is over, the site remains a living witness to the history of Paris and France, revealing layers of civilization hidden beneath one of the world's most famous museums.

Archaeology under the Louvre thus offers a new perspective on this emblematic monument, reminding us that beneath the works of art lies a buried past that continues to speak to us.