The birth of the Carrousel du Louvre shopping Center
In October 1990, the Minister of Culture, Communication and Public Works unveiled a prestigious project for the presentation of fashion collections, replacing the structures then occupying the Cour Carrée at the Louvre. The architectural design of the Carrousel du Louvre was given to Ieoh Ming Pei and Michel Macary, and it formed part of the extension of the visitors' entrance to the Louvre Museum.
While work for the Carrousel du Louvre was completed on 15 January 1991, the Carrousel du Louvre itself was not opened to the public until 15 October 1993.
Meanwhile, Ieoh Ming Pei's Inverted Pyramid was finally laid in September 1993: an imposing structure weighing 180 tons, with sides 16 m long and a height of 7 m.
The discovery of the Charles V ditch fortifications
During construction of the Carrousel du Louvre, the 'Charles V' ditch fortifications, a system built to defend the city in the 14th century, were discovered by archaeologists.
The walls have been preserved and now surround the 'Charles V Hall' at Carrousel du Louvre. Historical relics from the site were combined with fine materials such as Burgundy stone in large flowing spaces to create the magnificent Carrousel du Louvre Shopping Centre.
Media - Agence Oconnection
