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Let's make our mark on the courtyard's history !
The Cour du Sphinx is a landmark of the Louvre, bearing witness to the history of the palace through the centuries and to the development of the museum’s collection.
First designed to be Queen Anne of Austria’s courtyard in 1652, it was transformed by Louis Le Vau who added a monumental façade and spaces for classical antiquities in 1661.
In the late 17th century, the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture moved into the palace of the Louvre; the courtyard became the sculptor François Girardon’s workspace. Upon the opening of the Muséum Central des Arts a century later, this space was dedicated to ancient sculpture.
Between 1826 and 1848, the Great Sphinx of Tanis was displayed in the Cour du Sphinx, giving it its current name. During the Second Empire, Hector Lefuel closed the courtyard off completely. It has remained unchanged since, except for the installation of a glass roof in 1934. In the 20th century, it became home to Greek and Roman sculptures.
Today, the Cour du Sphinx is showing significant signs of ageing. Water damage, wear and tear on the façade designed by Le Vau, and the glass roof’s worsening state all contribute to the diminishment of this outstanding historical space. This space must undergo restoration. We need your help!
The Louvre is calling upon the generosity of all to raise €800,000 € by 19 January 2027 in order to fund renovations to restore this exceptional space to its original splendour.
Give the courtyard a new name!
The Great Sphinx of Tanis has long since left the courtyard and the name ‘Cour du Sphinx’ has fallen out of use… Let’s find this courtyard a more fitting name!
We invite you to draw inspiration from the site’s history, its architecture and the works of art that it houses, and to submit your suggestions by 24 November.
Donors to the campaign will then be able to vote on the final contenders and to help write this new chapter in the courtyard’s history.