Why does the louvre have a glass pyramid

One thing that did not cross the mind of many during the designing and building of the pyramid was cleaning. When the pyramid was still new, several attempts to clean the glass failed because of how it was inclined. After several failed attempts, skilled mountaineers were hired to climb the pyramid and clean it.

Later on, a robot was made to do the job, it was controlled by remote control. While climbing the pyramid, the robot is secured to the glass with suction cups. The robot cleans using a squeegee and a brush. The pyramid was designed to be transparent and let in as much light as possible. For this to be achieved, Pei insisted on using glass. This was to allow visitors to see through it. It also created an illusion of an untouched palace.

A challenge that Pei went through while looking for the glass, was finding the right one with no tint. He, therefore, worked with a French glass manufacturing company to create the exact type of glass he needed. The glass that was manufactured was cleared of all iron oxides to avoid any bluish or greenish reflection.

It was an extra clear laminated glass with high optical quality. When you visit Paris, two landmarks will most definitely be on your bucket list; the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre pyramid. The Louvre pyramid is the second most visited location after the Eiffel tower. It has defined the landscape in Paris. In , more than 10 million visitors went to the Louvre museum and used the pyramid entrance. This pyramid has also featured in several movies and has been written about in novels.

The pyramid at the louvre museum is made of glass and metal. It has glass segments that are supported by metal poles that stand at 21 metres. There are rhombus shapes and 70 triangles made of glass. The triangles and diamond shapes are irregular creating an illusion of cut jewellery.

The glass was made such that should forceful impact hit it; it does not lose any fragment. There have been no repairs done on the pyramid since it was built.

The glass pyramid entrance at the Louvre Museum in Paris has recently turned 30 years old and while it is loved the world over now, that was not always the case. In fact it was a very controversial issue for many years. Most of us however, cannot image the Louvre now without its unique and much photographed glass pyramid entrance.

The president inaugurated the finished pyramid on March , but as the public had to wait until nearly the end of March, that is 29 March, to see their new museum entrance, this date has become the celebrated birthdate of the pyramid, rather like the celebrated birthdate of the Eiffel Tower. It is the sign of a revolution that has put the visitor at the centre of the museum.

The glass entrance and the underground carousel large underground shopping centre and additional museum entrance was actually designed with practicality, as well as aesthetics in mind. The main pyramid was intended to be the main entrance to the museum and assist visitor traffic flow. Mr Leoh Ming Pei visualised the pyramid just as it is today as his design is unchanged with its original design of 70 triangular and diamond shaped glass panes.

Keeping the glass clean is an important job and on my last trip to Paris I was lucky enough to watch the glass cleaner in action. The glass cleaner's specially designed steam cleaner is remotely controlled with water and power provided independently. With amazing precision the machine goes to the very edge of the triangle, which at the pyramid's top height is 22 metres, and then slowly descends again to repeat the action.

The cleaning leaves no streaks and is usually done early in the day before tourists arrive at the Cour Napoleon Napoleon courtyard. The total project would end up costing 1. Last year, a record Feel like joining them but having the place to yourself? This is a BETA experience. You may opt-out by clicking here. More From Forbes. Nov 10, , am EST. Nov 9, , am EST. Nov 7, , am EST. Nov 6, , pm EDT. Edit Story.