The prestigious Musée du Louvre in Paris has launched an iPhone app, showcasing its key artworks alongside commentary, information and video clips.

The free app (App Store link) launched yesterday, and complements its existing website, which attracts 10 million visitors a year.

The iPhone app has details on 50 of the museum's major artworks, as well as photo and video tours, and info on the museum's opening times, prices and contacts.

Its release comes the day before Apple opens its first retail store in France, in the Carrousel du Louvre, just below the museum's famous glass pyramid.

The Louvre isn't the first institution of its type to hit the App Store, mind. Earlier this year, the UK's National Gallery launched an app called Love Art, offering a guided tour of 250 of its paintings.

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