Resembling a ship's propeller, the free-standing staircase with its glass balustrade panels and stainless steel handrails leads the visitors down from the Cour Napoléon into the foyer of the Grand Louvre, the "Halle Napoléon", located approximately nine meters below. Various service departments such as the information stand, restaurants, cloakrooms, auditorium and museum gift shop optimally prepare the visitor to the Louvre for the ensuing tour of the museum.