The architects Percier and Fontaine originally built the large staircase at the entrance to the museum (between 1809 and 1812). It has since been replaced by the Escalier Daru, which has provided access to the rooms housing the painting collections (Salon Carré and Grande Galerie). The Salles Percier et Fontaine, which constitute the former museum vestibule, are all that remain of the magnificent original decoration commissioned by Napoleon, with marble columns, sculpted ceilings decorated with allegorical paintings and trompe l’oeil bas-reliefs. Today they house frescoes marking the beginning of the presentation of Italian paintings. The windows on the right look out over the whole Cour du Sphinx.
 
Bron: louvre.fr