The Louvre Pyramid, with a height of almost 22 meters and a base of approximately 35 meters, is an iconic glass and metal structure serving as the majestic entrance to the Louvre Museum in Paris. It was commissioned in 1983 by President François Mitterrand, designed by architect Ieoh Ming Pei, and inaugurated in 1988. The pyramid, located in the Cour Napoléon, presents a bold shape in contrast to the surrounding buildings, generating controversy during its construction due to its distinctive design. Despite initial criticism, the work, with a structure of steel and aluminum, covered with 673 glass panels, has become an admired icon. The presence of the pyramid is so significant that three smaller replicas have been erected around it. During construction, architect Ieoh Ming Pei insisted on maximum transparency of the glass, facing challenges such as yellowing and excessive light absorption. The solution was a float glass, produced with graphite and molybdenum.
