The empty Grande Galerie du Louvre at the time of the First World War.

At the time of great international tension, the works of many French museums were brought to safety. The Musée du Louvre was partially evacuated as early as World War I. Under the supervision of Paul Jamot, curator of the museum, they were boxed and taken to Toulouse. For four years (1914-1921) the famous works, such as the paintings in the Grande Galerie, remained hidden from the public.

Later, at the beginning of World War II, the museum would see an even more extensive evacuation. According to a plan devised as early as 1938, the exhibits were taken to the countryside to the castles on the Loire (e.g. Chateau de Chambord) to protect them from possible bombing raids on the city.

Today, famous paintings by Italian artists from the period 1250-1800 can be found in the Great Gallery.