Ornaments Without Gems... The Louvre Reopens the Historic Apollo Gallery to the Public

The "Apollo Gallery" at the Louvre Museum in the French capital, Paris, was reopened to the public on Wednesday, regaining its status as one of the most prominent tourist attractions, despite the removal of the precious exhibits it once housed.

Christophe Leribault, president and director of the Louvre Museum, stated during the opening ceremony attended by French Minister of Culture Catherine Pégard that the gallery’s reopening allows visitors to discover the grandeur of its architecture and decorations, after it had been closed since October 19, 2025.

The gallery’s contents were limited to its historical painted and carved wall decorations, with no display cases or jewelry on view.

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The gallery measures 60 meters in length, 9 meters in width, and 15 meters in height. It will resume its original function from the 17th century as a "ceremonial hall."

Located on the first floor of the Denon Wing, the gallery houses 41 paintings, 36 sculptural groups, and 28 tapestries, along with rich decorations that restore its ceremonial character for which it was originally designed.

Since 1797, the Apollo Gallery, established in 1793, has hosted artworks and precious treasures from the royal collections. Since 1861, these items have been displayed within specially designed display cases.

The gallery was also renowned for displaying jewels from the collection of Louis XIV and belongings of Marie Antoinette, as well as masterpieces from the treasures of Saint-Denis Abbey.

The Louvre Museum, home to the Mona Lisa, welcomed approximately nine million visitors last year, a figure exceeding its planned capacity.