The Clock Pavilion and its Hidden Secret: The Treasure of Drawings

The Pavillon de l'Horloge , located in the center of the Louvre, hides a real treasure: the Cabinet of Drawings , where more than 250,000 drawings are kept. These fragile works, rarely exhibited because of the precautions necessary to protect them from light, include masterpieces by artists such as Raphael , Michelangelo , and Delacroix . This secret cabinet allows the Louvre to preserve and restore some of the greatest graphic works in the world.

These delicately beautiful drawings require strict conditions to be maintained, making them inaccessible to the public most of the time. However, temporary exhibitions are sometimes organized, offering visitors the unique opportunity to see these treasures.

The Pavillon de l'Horloge, with its imposing structure and well-kept secrets, is a place of mystery and inspiration. To extend this artistic exploration, visit our online art gallery where you will discover works inspired by this graphic and historical wealth.

The Pavillon de l'Horloge is one of the Louvre's most iconic structures, and it hides a fascinating secret that dates back to its origins:

History of the Clock Pavilion:

• The Pavillon de l'Horloge, also called the Pavillon Sully , is located in the center of the Louvre's square courtyard. It was designed in the 17th century during the reign of Louis XIII and Louis XIV , when the Louvre underwent major transformations.
• This pavilion is distinguished by its large clock, which gives it its name, and by its classical architecture, with columns, sculptures, and an impressive slate roof.

A hidden secret:

• What is less well known is that the Pavillon de l'Horloge hides a veritable underground treasure: the remains of the Louvre's original medieval fortress . During renovation work in the 1980s, a section of the foundations of the fortress built by Philippe Auguste in the 12th century was discovered.
• These remains, buried for centuries, are now accessible to the public via an underground route, where you can observe the surrounding walls and the keep of the old fortress.

An architectural transition:

• The Pavillon de l'Horloge symbolizes the transition between the medieval Louvre and the modern Louvre . It links the building's defensive origins to its current role as a cultural palace and museum.
• This place is a gateway to the hidden history of the Louvre, where one can literally travel through the centuries, from the Middle Ages to the present day.

A symbolic space:

• In addition to housing medieval remains, the Clock Pavilion also serves as a focal point for visitors to the Louvre, offering exhibits on the museum's history and its collections.

The Pavillon de l'Horloge, with its majestic clock and its secrets buried underground, remains a key place for understanding the evolution of the Louvre.