Musée du Louvre

A masterpiece of 17th-century French architecture, the summer apartments of Anne of Austria, mother of Louis XIV, now serve as an exhibition gallery within the Louvre, blending royal history with artistic heritage.

Site History

The summer apartments of Anne of Austria, mother of Louis XIV, were designed by architect Louis Le Vau between 1655 and 1658. Situated on the ground floor of what is now the Louvre’s Petite Galerie, the apartments originally comprised a grand salon, an antechamber (now the Hall of Seasons), a vestibule (now the Salon of Peace), a grand cabinet, a parade bedroom and a small cabinet—now unified into a single exhibition space.

This historically significant residence, once occupied by Catherine de Médicis before becoming Anne of Austria’s summer retreat and later housing Louis XIV, bears witness to centuries of French royal history. The influence of Le Vau’s architectural vision, combined with Romanelli’s Italianate frescoes and Anguier’s sculptural mastery, underscores the grandeur of the apartments. Following the French Revolution, the rooms were repurposed as the Gallery of Antiquities, displaying Greek, Etruscan and Roman artifacts. 

In 2024, the apartments hosted the prestigious exhibition Masterpieces from the Torlonia Collection, featuring one of the world’s most important private collections of ancient sculpture, reinforcing their status as a link between past and present.

About the Project

Restoration work aims to stabilize and enhance the original decorative elements, from frescoes to stucco reliefs, safeguarding them against structural wear and environmental deterioration. These efforts ensure that the apartments continue to serve as an exceptional setting for historical and artistic exhibitions.

The Apartments Today

Now an integral part of the Louvre’s exhibition spaces, the apartments remain dedicated to displaying classical antiquities, offering visitors an immersive experience that bridges the grandeur of French royal heritage and the richness of ancient art.