Duran Duran frontman Simon Le Bon said he hoped his band had "put a smile on the Mona Lisa's face" with a historic gig at the Louvre Museum in Paris.

The band became the first group to perform at the museum, playing to a crowd in the Louvre Pyramid, which was designed by IM Pye.

The band's concert was staged to help raise money for the 18th century art gallery at the museum, which is currently undergoing restoration.

"It was a great honour for us to be asked to perform at this prestigious event in one of the most beautiful and historic buildings in Paris and for such a worthy cause to the arts,” Le Bon said.

"We are all great lovers of the arts and have visited the museum's works many times. Helping to raise funds for this incredible institution is a tremendous privilege for all of us."

The gallery is due to re-open in 2011.

As previously reported, Duran Duran will return to Paris next month for a special concert that will see them team up with Mark Ronson.

(by Jason Gregory)