Parisians Get Active at Louvre Museum in Preparation for Olympics

Parisians are gearing up for the upcoming Olympics in a unique way – by participating in workouts inside the iconic Louvre Museum. The event, called “Run in the Louvre,” saw participants engaging in various fitness activities in different rooms of the museum.

The Cultural Olympiad programme, developed by the Paris 2024 organisers, aims to combine sports and culture in preparation for the Summer Games. Participants had the opportunity to practice yoga in the Cour Marly, surrounded by French sculptures from the 17th century.

In the Cour Khorsabad, dancers learned the Jamaican dancehall style amidst statues dating back to the ancient Assyrian King Sargon II. The Cour Caryatides, once the ballroom of King Henry IV, hosted a disco session for the participants.

The workouts concluded with a cardio exercise at the foot of the Louvre’s medieval castle walls. Renowned French choreographer Mehdi Kerkouche organized the sessions, with up to 30 participants taking part in each of the 16 sessions scheduled from 8-9 a.m. until May 31.

The Louvre Museum, known for being the world’s largest and most visited museum, welcomed the initiative as a way to promote fitness and cultural appreciation among Parisians. With nearly 10 million visitors annually, the museum provided a unique backdrop for the athletes to prepare for the upcoming Olympics.

As Parisians continue to embrace this fusion of sports and culture, the city is set to showcase its rich heritage and athletic spirit when it hosts the Summer Games. The workouts in the Louvre Museum serve as a testament to the city’s commitment to making the Olympics a truly memorable and inclusive event.