The Ghosts of the Louvre: A Haunted Legend

The Louvre is not only a museum full of works of art, but also a place steeped in mysterious legends. Among them, that of the Red Ghost is the most famous. This specter is said to have haunted the Tuileries Gardens and the corridors of the museum. According to legend, he is Jean l'Écorcheur , a butcher turned assassin who served Catherine de Medici and who was executed after rebelling against her. Since then, his spirit is said to have wandered the corridors of the Louvre, appearing during times of trouble.

According to stories, the Red Ghost has been seen on several occasions, particularly in the gardens. These apparitions are often linked to periods of political upheaval. Some claim that his specter was seen at the time of the French Revolution and even before tragic events in French history. Although these stories are part of Parisian folklore, they continue to fascinate visitors to the museum.

A place full of history and mysteries

These legends contribute to the mysterious aura of the Louvre, a place full of history where centuries rub shoulders. The collective imagination adds fantastic stories, making the visit even more captivating for those who love mystery. The supposed presence of ghosts in a museum as old as the Louvre only accentuates the fascination that this place inspires throughout the world.

To extend this dive into mystery and fascination, explore our online art gallery , where you will find contemporary works inspired by these stories and legends, mixing history and the supernatural.

The legends of the Louvre ghosts add a mysterious and fascinating touch to the history of this famous museum. Beyond its artistic masterpieces, some visitors and employees claim that spirits haunt its galleries and corridors. Here are some of the most famous stories:

The Ghost of Belphegor:

• One of the Louvre's most famous ghosts is Belphegor , a spirit often associated with the museum since the release of a 1960s French television series called "Belphegor, or the Phantom of the Louvre" .
• Although this character is from fiction, he has helped fuel the legend of a spirit haunting the museum's halls at night. Some claim that strange phenomena, such as footsteps or furtive shadows, can be heard after the museum closes.

The Ghost of the Assassin:

• According to another legend, an assassin named Jean l'Écorcheur , who worked for Catherine de Medici, haunts the place. This macabre character is said to have been involved in many crimes at the royal court. It is said that his spirit still wanders the underground passages of the Louvre, in search of redemption.

The souls of artists:

• Some visitors have also reported seeing ghostly apparitions of artists whose works are exhibited at the Louvre, such as Leonardo da Vinci or Eugène Delacroix . These wandering souls are said to be drawn to the masterpieces they created and continue to watch over.

The Mummy's Curse:

• Another legend tells of an Egyptian mummy , preserved in the museum's collections, which carries a curse. Louvre employees have reportedly felt a strange presence around the Egyptian galleries, where some say the mummy comes to life as a spirit.

An atmosphere conducive to legends:

• The Louvre, with its vast galleries and collections steeped in history, is a place ripe for ghost stories. At night, when the museum is empty, the atmosphere becomes mysterious, and it is no wonder that stories of supernatural apparitions multiply.

While these legends are amusing and intriguing, they reinforce the mystical aura that surrounds the Louvre and its treasures.