Construction of the Escalier Daru (Daru Staircase) began in 1855. Designed by Hector-Martin Lefuel, the work was part of the Louvre’s development as desired by Napoleon III. An ingenious system of domes, oriented from west to east, provides the necessary light. Lefuel’s successor, Edmond Guillaume, completed the staircase around 1882. At the time, coloured mosaics covered the vaulted ceilings. The Art Deco style of the present staircase was added in 1934 by Albert Ferran, who hid the mosaics under stone wallpaper. The Victory of Samothrace has been enthroned at the top of the Escalier Daru since 1883.