The Louvre

Architect: I. M. Pei

Built in 1989

Materials: cut stone, glass

I.M. Pei’s Grand Louvre is a masterpiece of modern architecture. I was fortunate to travel to the Louvre in 2012 and spent multiple days at the museum. On the second day, I arrived in the mid-morning and stayed to watch the sunset. Towards the evening, the glass pyramids and the surrounding historical buildings began to illuminate. Reflections of the museum danced on the ponds and created an unforgettable atmosphere. It is an atmosphere I often refer to and try to recreate in my work. The profound impact of this experience prompted me to dig deeper into the story behind how the project was brought to life.

Pei noted that a pyramid shape converges to a single point as your eye moves vertically, eventually dissolving into thin air. The pyramid was one of the least intrusive shapes that could be used. The translucency of the pyramid would allow maximum visibility through and around the structure to the historical buildings at the perimeter. Pei's highly sensitive and respectful approach honored the architecture of the historical Louvre.