THE LOUVRE’S PYRAMID TURNS 30 AND FETES WITH A SPECIAL COLLAGE

Featuring a;strong optical illusion,;French street artist JR;and a flow of volunteers created a striking,;eye-catching collage;to celebrate the;30th anniversary of the Louvre’s pyramid, the landmark glass structure inaugurated in March 1898 by then-French President François Mitterand.; Meant to be viewed from a specific top point, the temporary ground collage made of;paper strips, gives the illusion of dizzying depth and of smaller pyramids jutting out from the;ground. To allow for a better view, two screens positioned inside the courtyard will show the artwork and its creation process.; The Louvre’s pyramid was designed by Chinese-American architect I. M.;Pei amidst plenty of controversy and criticism. The modernist lattice monument was accused of clashing with the surrounding historic buildings and the Napoleonic courtyard. Over time, though, it has become a major attraction, gradually winning over its detractors.;