French President Emmanuel Macron has unveiled plans for a significant renovation of the Louvre Museum, including a dedicated room for the iconic Mona Lisa. The new space, set to open by 2031, will feature a new entrance near the River Seine and expand underground areas. While the extensive renovation aims to modernise the world’s most visited museum, the costs, potentially in the hundreds of millions of euros, were not disclosed.
Current issues affecting the Louvre include overcrowding, water leaks, and lack of modern amenities, which have raised concerns about the museum’s ability to preserve its artworks. Louvre director Laurence des Cars highlighted the obsolescence of facilities since the last major renovation in the 1980s, when the glass pyramid entrance was introduced.
The museum currently struggles with visitor comfort and insufficient dining and restroom options, prompting calls for a revitalisation to create a more conducive atmosphere for both art appreciation and visitor experience. With visitor numbers peaking at 8.7 million in a year, the Louvre’s upgrades are seen as essential to meet international standards and enhance cultural education. Funding will be sourced from both the French state and private sector, emphasising the complexity and financial challenge of this ambitious project.