1、 From early times, man has been interested in art. People have often worked together to collect and save the world's art treasures. Fine art treasures from many countries are kept in an art museum called the Louvre in Paris, France. The works of art have been collected by the people of France over many centuries. It is one of the biggest art museums in the world.
The Louvre has not always been a museum. The first building was a fort(堡垒). In 1190, it was the king's castle with high walls and a round tower. It had a moat(护城河) to keep out the enemies. Over the years, the number of buildings around the castle grew. By 1350, the castle no longer needed a fort. The Louvre became a palace home for French kings and queens.
During time of peace, new treasures were brought in. During the days of war, many treasures were stolen, and the buildings were damaged.
When Francis I became king of France in 1515, he brought in many artists from other countries. One of the artists was Leonardo da Vinci from Italy. Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa is the best known painting in the museum today.
In 1793, the Louvre became a public museum. It is a place where art treasures are kept for everyone to enjoy. Every year millions of people from all over the world come to the Louvre to see the masterpieces.
1.Most of works of art in the Louvre have been collected probably by _______.
A. the French people
B. Francis I
C. Leonardo da Vinci
D. people of the world
2.Which of the following is NOT mentioned in the passage?
A.Leonardo da Vinci once stayed in France.
B.Mona Lisa is kept in the Louvre.
C.The Louvre was once a church.
D.The Louvre is a place of interest to different people from all over the world.
3.Why is it good for the works of art to be kept in public museums?
A.The works of art will not be stolen.
B.The works of art will not be damaged.
C.Artists can study the works of art.
D.Everyone has a chance to enjoy the works of art.
4.According to the passage, which of the following statements is TRUE?
A.Louvre is always a museum since it was built.
B.All the art treasures in the Louvre have been destroyed in the war.
C.Louvre was once the king's castle in history.
D.There is still a fort near the Louvre now.
