This event is in English and will take place in-person at the Alliance Française of Washington, DC.

Long before it became the world’s most visited museum, the Louvre served as a medieval fortress guarding Paris, later rising as a royal palace and eventually transforming into the cultural heart of France. Across the centuries, its walls have witnessed political intrigue, dynastic ambition, and revolutionary upheaval, each chapter shaping the extraordinary institution we know today. In this richly illustrated in-person lecture, we will trace the Louvre’s remarkable evolution from its origins as a medieval stronghold and transformation into a palace of kings, the bold vision of the French Revolutionaries who opened it as a museum “for the people,” and its expansion into a global institution housing more than 35,000 works of art.

French art historian Tosca Ruggieri will guide audiences well beyond the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, revealing overlooked masterpieces, hidden corners, and remarkable stories too often missed by hurried visitors. The evening will also explore unforgettable episodes in the Louvre’s modern history—from the dramatic evacuation of its treasures during the Second World War to the recent October 2025 heist that once again demonstrated the museum’s enduring hold on the world’s imagination. More than a museum, the Louvre stands as a living symbol of French history, identity, andcultural vitality.

Join us on February 18 as we peel back its layers and rediscover the many lives of this iconic place.

ABOUT TOSCA: Art Lecturer & Curator of Cultural Experiences

Art with Tosca was founded in 2021 by Tosca Ruggieri, a French-Italian art historian and licensed guide based in Washington, D.C., and a member of the Guild of Professional Tour Guides of Washington, D.C. Raised among the artistic heritage of Northeastern France and Tuscany, Tosca studied Art History in Paris and earned graduate degrees from EPHE-Sorbonne and King’s College London. She began her career working with private art collections and galleries in London, later teaching art history at a French university. Today, Tosca leads curated tours at major Washington institutions including the National Gallery of Art, the Phillips Collection, and the Smithsonian museums. Her work spans from the Italian Renaissance to Modern art and combines deep scholarship with engaging storytelling. Through her tours and lectures—both in-person and virtual—Tosca is committed to making art accessible, meaningful, and inspiring for all audiences. For more information about Tosca Ruggieri’s work and to subscribe to her newsletter, visitwww.artwithtosca.com.

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