About the Holiday

International Museum Day, created by the International Council of Museums, is celebrating its 80th anniversary this year under the theme “Museums Uniting a Divided World.” This theme highlights the potential of museums to act as bridges across cultural, social, and geopolitical divides, fostering dialogue, understanding, inclusion and peace within and between communities worldwide. To learn more about their initiatives, visit the ICOM website. Celebrate International Museum Day by visiting a museum near you!

The Glass Pyramid: A Story of the Louvre Museum and Architect I. M. Pei

Written by Jeanne Walker Harvey | Illustrated by Khoa Le

When the president of France asked Ieoh Ming (“I. M.”) Pei, a famous architect, to redesign the Louvre—”the largest museum in the world and home to the Mona Lisa”—he approached the assignment like a secret agent, aware that the local people would not appreciate a foreigner changing this museum that had such a storied past.

But all that history had caught up with the Louvre, and it desperately needed modernizing. The entrance was ungainly, with a long walk to the art galleries. I. M. envisioned an entrance that was not a door, but led from the courtyard. “Like a magic portal leading to a world of hidden marvels,” this new entry would branch into pathways to the Louvre’s three wings.

This new structure had to be just right—grand, but not blocking the view of the museum. When creating a new design, I. M. thought in Chinese and visualized possibilities by moving his hands in front of him “as if sketching in the air.” He studied the geometric features of the palace of Versailles and recalled the gardens he played in as a child at his ancestral home in Suzhou, China. Then the answer materialized! He imagined a large glass pyramid, a serene, sunlit space welcoming all visitors.”

I. M. was excited to reveal his idea, but the citizens were in an uproar and denigrated his idea. I. M. had faced personal and professional challenges before and relied on the strength he’d developed throughout his life. To “gain the trust of the people of Paris,” he sat for interviews, calmly expressing his vision for the Louvre. The mayor of Paris even proposed a life-size mock-up to help the people understand the design. Slowly, criticism waned and building began.

As the pyramid rose, so did issues that needed answers. Each was overcome, and one even led to surprising discoveries that were opened for visitors to explore. At last the pyramid was completed. On opening day, I. M. Pei’s appearance in the courtyard inspired applause from the visitors in line. He acknowledged their recognition with a nod and a wide smile. Today, the pyramid has “blossomed into a cherished symbol of France.”

Back matter includes a discussion of an architect’s job, a brief biography of I. M. Pei, STEM connections describing how construction problems were solved, selected sources and online videos.

The story behind the addition of the glass pyramid to the Louvre has it all—history, a brilliant creator, a world-renowned art collection, innovation, controversy, and success. In her tribute to I. M. Pei and the Louvre, Jeanne Walker Harvey embraces its entirety in her elegant prose that is as transparent and beautiful as the pyramid itself. Throughout her pages, Harvey weaves her tapestry with glorious threads from the Louvre’s intriguing past; I. M. Pei’s dedication to his art, mindful philosophy, and unique method of conjuring his iconic designs; the fervor of French feeling; problem solving; and collaboration. The result is a masterpiece of nonfiction in which each reader can find depth and meaningful lessons on staying true to ones own vision.

Khoa Le’s compelling and intricate illustrations introduce children to I. M. Pei and transport them to visit the Louvre inside and out, gaze at the gardens of Versailles, and view China’s Lion Grove Garden on their way to witness I. M. Pei visualize and complete the Louvre’s glass pyramid entrance. Children also see other buildings designed by Pei, obtain an understanding of how Pei’s thoughtful manner can be adopted in many situations, and how collaboration sets the stage for success.

Ages 4 – 8+

Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2025 | ISBN 978-1665953337

About the Author

Jeanne Walker Harvey studied literature and psychology at Stanford University and has worn many job hats, ranging from being a roller coaster ride operator to an attorney, a middle school language arts teacher, and a long-time docent for school groups at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. She is the author of several books for young readers, including the picture book biographies Dressing up the Stars: The Story of Movie Costume Designer Edith Head, Ablaze with Color: A Story of Painter Alma Thomas, Maya Lin: Artist-Architect of Light and Lines, and The Glass Pyramid: A Story of the Louvre Museum and Architect I. M. Pei. Jeanne lives in Northern California. Visit her online at JeanneHarvey.com.

About the Illustrator

Khoa Le is an illustrator from Vietnam, who graduated from the Ho Chi Minh City University of Fine Arts. She has dedicated most of her professional life to working in publishing, illustrating numerous books that have been published in Europe, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Vietnam. Currently, she works and lives with her cats. Visit her at khoaleartwork.com.