The Ecole du Louvre

The Ecole du Louvre was founded at the Louvre in 1882. It is now an independent public institution of higher education and research.

In addition to a traditional syllabus for art history students, the Ecole du Louvre offers courses for everyone, in Paris and throughout France, taught by museum curators, academics, researchers, and heritage professionals. No prior qualifications are required to enroll.

These courses are organized in 25 cities throughout France and its overseas territories, in collaboration with museums, their municipalities, and their societies of friends.

An introductory art history course in Lens

On the initiative of Lens city council, this course has been taught in Lens since early 2007. It is a three-year introductory art history course, with particular reference to the collections of the Musée du Louvre. Themes dealt with in 2007 include: the Sumerian civilization (3rd millennium BC), the ancient city of Babylon, the pharaohs, the influence of the Greek model, the Roman empire, etc.

Enrolment is annual and can be made at Lens city council. Sessions take place at the Théâtre du Colisée on Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 7.30 p.m.

The Ecole du Louvre is also present in the Nord-Pas de Calais region in Roubaix, at the Musée de La Piscine. Sessions taught there are related to exhibitions held locally.