The Hidden Treasures of the Louvre: A Huge Collection Behind the Scenes

The Louvre Museum exhibits approximately 35,000 works , but its reserves contain more than 400,000 objects that are not accessible to the public. These hidden works, too fragile or too precious, are kept under specific conditions to preserve them. They include paintings, sculptures, and art objects from various periods and cultures.

Although these treasures are not visible, they represent an inestimable wealth for historians and curators.

Discover unique works in our online art gallery .

The Louvre , as the largest museum in the world, is home to many famous works such as the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo , but it also has hidden treasures , lesser known to the general public, that are worth discovering. These works, often forgotten or overlooked by visitors, are just as fascinating and rich in history.

The little-known treasures:

1. The Code of Hammurabi : This black basalt monument, on display in the Oriental Antiquities section, is one of the oldest known sets of laws in the world, written around 1754 BC by the Babylonian king Hammurabi.

2. The Hall of the Caryatids : This majestic room is often less frequented than the main galleries. It houses ancient statues and monumental works, notably the Caryatids which support the musical tribune.

3. The Crown Jewels : The precious stones of the Crown of France , exhibited in the Galerie d'Apollon , are among the most magnificent royal jewels, but many visitors pass them by, unaware of their presence.

4. The Winged Victory of Samothrace : Although it is very famous, few visitors know that the Winged Victory of Samothrace was found in several pieces and reassembled. It sits majestically at the top of the Daru staircase.

Forgotten masterpieces:

• The Cheat with the Ace of Diamonds : A painting by Georges de La Tour that depicts a cheater and his accomplice cheating a young gambler. This painting, hidden in the galleries of the Louvre, is a masterful example of 17th-century French painting.

• La Petite Châtelaine : A charming marble bust by French sculptor Camille Claudel . Despite his talent, Claudel remains in the shadow of Rodin, but his works exhibited at the Louvre are an unknown treasure.

The Louvre underground:

• Below the museum, remains of the medieval Louvre fortress , built by Philippe Auguste in the 12th century, can be explored. This mysterious place transports visitors into the medieval history of Paris.

Infinite wealth:

• With over 500,000 works , the Louvre can only display a fraction of its collection. Many works are stored or exhibited temporarily, making each visit unique. Rotating exhibitions sometimes allow visitors to discover hidden treasures of the museum that even Louvre regulars have never seen.

The Louvre reserves:

• The Louvre also has reserves where thousands of works are kept. Located in Liévin , these reserves are rarely accessible to the public, but they constitute an immense repository of artistic treasures, which sometimes wait centuries before being exhibited.

Why explore hidden treasures?

• Focusing on the Louvre’s most famous works, like the Mona Lisa, can sometimes overshadow the immense diversity of the collections. Taking the time to discover the lesser-known treasures offers a unique perspective on art history, with unexpected discoveries that enrich the experience of each visit.

The Louvre is a veritable labyrinth of works, and every corner hides a piece of history waiting to be revealed. Exploring the hidden treasures of the Louvre is like traveling through time, through little-known civilizations and periods, and discovering works as fascinating as those for which the museum is famous.