From early times，man has been interested in art．People have often worked together to collect and save the world’s art treasures．

    Fine art treasures from many countries are kept in an art museum called the Louvre in Paris．France．The works of art have been collected by the people of France over many centuries．It is the biggest art museum in the world．

   The Louvre has not always been a museum．The first building was a fort．In 1191, it was the king’s castle with high walls and a round tower．It had a river around it to keep out the enemies．

   Over the years，the number of buildings around the castle grew．By l350，the castle no longer needed a river．The Louvre became a palace home for France kings and queens．During time of peace，new treasures were brought in．During the days of war，many treasures were stolen，and the buildings were damaged．

    When Francis I became king of France in 1515, brought in many artists from other countries．One of the artists was Leonardo Da Vinci from Italy．Da Vinci’s“Mona Lisa”is the best known painting in the museum today．

    In 1793，the Louvre become a public museum，just as it is now．It is a place where art treasures are kept for everyone to enjoy．Every year millions of people from all over the world come to the Louvre to see the masterpieces．

1．How long has the Louvre been a public museum?

    A．For over 800 years．          B．Since 1350．

    C．Since 1515．                 D．For over 200）／ears．

2．Most of works of arts in the Louvre have been collected probably _______．

    A．by the French people           B．by Francis I

    C．by Leonardo Da Vinci            D．by people of the world

3．Which of the following is not mentioned in the passage?

  A．Da Vinci once stayed in France

  B，“Mona Lisa”is kept in the Louvre．

  C．The Louvre was once a church as well as a palace．

  D，The L0uvie is a place of interest to people all over the world．

4．Why is it good for the works of art to be kept in public museums?

    A．In public museums works of art won’t be stolen．

    B．In public museums works of art won’t be damaged

    C．In public museums artists can study the works of art．

    D．In public museums everyone has a chance to enjoy the works of art．

5．Which is the best title for this passage?

    A．A famous painting—Mona Lisa．       B．A famous art museum—Louvre．

    C．A famous artist—Da Vinci．                D．The great King—Francis．