PARIS.- The Louvre Museum, Christie's and Drouot announced the results of the charity sale "Bid for The Louvre" which totaled €2,365,000 /£2,119,176 /$2,835,458

Top 5 lots of the sale: the work of Pierre Soulages, the custom-made watch "Les Cabinotiers" from Vacheron Constantin, The Rose of the Louvre by Jean-Michel Othoniel, the lot proposed by the Maison Cartier and the Joconde Mania experience. The works of art generously donated by contemporary artists close to the museum, exclusive experiences in the heart of the palace and the customizations and unique moments proposed by the museum's partners and patrons have attracted numerous bidders from 24 different countries.

The funds raised during this unique sale will be entirely devoted to projects in support of the musée du Louvre, and will finance in particular the future Studio. The Studio, a new space of 1150 square meters dedicated to artistic and cultural education, will open in the fall of 2021 in the center of the museum to welcome families, school groups, disabled persons and their accompanying persons. The activities which will take place there will aim to better accompany these publics in the discovery of the works of art and to allow them to discover the museum in a whole different way. These new rooms, adapted to current pedagogical practices, will be located at the low first floor of the Richelieu wing, close to the Petite Galerie and the collections.

Jean-Luc Martinez, President and Director of the Musée du Louvre: "I wish to thank the artists and luxury brands that have very generously contributed to this sale. I am delighted that bidders from all over the world have come together to show their support. This is a testimony that the desire for the Louvre is now more than ever alive, that our patrons remain faithful to the call for solidarity and education, for a museum open to all, especially youth and families".

Cécile Verdier, President of Christie's France: "It was a true honor for Christie's teams to organize this first sale to the benefit of the Louvre’s artistic and educational projects and its Studio. In the current climate, which is particularly difficult for museums, we are pleased to have been able to support this global institution and offer for auction exceptional lots that have aroused strong interest among international collectors who love the Louvre. We would like to extend our warmest thanks to Mr. Martinez and all the teams at the Louvre for their trust, and to Drouot, which relayed the sale on its own platform".

Alexandre Giquello, president of Drouot Patrimoine: "In these difficult ongoing times, especially for museums, the very good result of this sale brings a positive outlook. We are delighted to have been able to support this action; access to culture for all audiences must, more than ever, remain a priority.