French President Macron Unveils Major Louvre Renovation Plan, Including a Dedicated Room for the ‘Mona Lisa’
In a significant announcement aimed at redefining the Louvre Museum, French President Emmanuel Macron has revealed a comprehensive renovation and expansion initiative scheduled to unfold over the next decade. Titled the “Louvre New Renaissance”, this ambitious project includes a dedicated room specifically for the world-renowned “Mona Lisa” painted by Leonardo da Vinci.
New Features to Transform Visitor Experience
Addressing visitors’ concerns about overcrowding and outdated facilities, the Louvre’s renovation will introduce a modernized experience enhanced by a new entrance located near the Seine River, anticipated to open by 2031. Macron delivered these remarks from the very room where the iconic “Mona Lisa” is presently displayed, establishing a direct connection to the centerpiece of the initiative.
“Conditions of display, explanation, and presentation will be brought to the standard that the ‘Mona Lisa’ deserves,” Macron remarked.
This dedicated space for the “Mona Lisa” is designed to streamline the visitor experience, allowing art enthusiasts who specifically want to view the masterpiece to do so with ease, while alleviating crowding pressures in other sections of the museum. Currently, the painting resides behind protective glass in one of the museum’s largest exhibition rooms, often inundated by tourists eager to capture a selfie. This overwhelming foot traffic has not only distracted from the iconic artwork but has also overshadowed other masterpieces by prominent Venetian artists such as Titian and Veronese displayed in the same space.
Last year, the Louvre welcomed 8.7 million visitors, significantly exceeding its original design capacity of 4 million visitors set during its last major renovation in the 1980s. Notably, over 75% of its patrons hailed from abroad, particularly those from the United States, China, and neighboring European countries.
Budget and Funding Plans
While specific budget numbers remain under wraps, early projections estimate the renovation costs to range between 700 and 800 million euros (0–834 million). Funding will be sourced from ticket sales, private patronage, and revenue from the museum’s Abu Dhabi branch. The French government already contributes half of the museum’s annual budget and covers the salaries of its 2,200 employees.
To augment funding, ticket prices for non-EU visitors will increase from the current rate of 22 euros (). This adjustment aims to ensure a more secure and pleasant environment for both visitors and staff.
Macron drew parallels between the Louvre’s renovation and the recently completed restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral, stating that the redesigned and expanded Louvre is set to become the epicenter of art history—both for France and globally.
Addressing Structural and Functional Challenges
The Louvre renovation aims to address several urgent structural and functional issues impacting the aging museum. Louvre Director Laurence des Cars recently reported significant concerns in a letter to Culture Minister Rachida Dati, citing problems such as water leaks, temperature fluctuations, and other structural inadequacies that jeopardize the preservation of the museum’s vast collection. A report initially published by *Le Parisien* indicated that the museum risks “obsolescence” if these issues remain unresolved.
Additionally, the famed glass pyramid, which became a hallmark of the Louvre following its unveiling in 1989, is showing signs of its age. Challenges such as poor insulation, heightened noise levels, and a deficiency of visitor amenities are also on the agenda for improvement. Des Cars noted the longstanding frustrations surrounding the lack of dining options and restroom facilities that have troubled guests for years.
Looking Ahead
The next steps in the Louvre renovation will include initiating a design competition for the new entrance, with plans to launch it in the coming months. The project anticipates adding underground rooms to enhance the museum’s capacity and accommodate its ever-growing audience.
With the “Louvre New Renaissance” initiative, Macron envisions not only a transformation of the visitor experience but also a bold step into the modern era while conserving the museum’s identity as a globally revered cultural landmark. As the extensive renovation unfolds over the next decade, the Louvre is poised to elevate its status, ensuring both the preservation of its extensive collection and the architectural integrity of its iconic structure.
