French President Emmanuel Macron announced on 28 January 2025 that the Louvre Museum will undergo a significant modernisation, including the creation of a dedicated room for the Mona Lisa. The extensive renovation is expected to take several years and will also involve the expansion of the museum.
The project will introduce a new entrance near the River Seine, which is scheduled to open by 2031, along with the construction of underground rooms. Speaking from the gallery where the Mona Lisa is currently displayed, President Macron outlined the planned improvements but did not disclose the cost, which is estimated to reach hundreds of millions of euros. The Louvre, the world’s most visited museum, has long struggled with overcrowding and outdated facilities.
The museum’s last major renovation took place in the 1980s with the unveiling of the iconic glass pyramid. However, the institution is now considered to be below international standards.
Structural Concerns and Preservation Challenges
Laurence des Cars, Director of the Louvre, recently addressed a letter to Culture Minister Rachida Dati warning of the museum’s deteriorating condition. The letter, first reported by French newspaper Le Parisien, highlighted issues such as water leaks, temperature fluctuations, and structural obsolescence, all of which pose a risk to the preservation of artworks.
Des Cars also noted that the glass pyramid, inaugurated in 1989 as part of President François Mitterrand’s project, is now outdated. The structure lacks proper insulation against extreme temperatures and amplifies noise, making it uncomfortable for both visitors and staff. Additionally, the museum faces a shortage of food outlets and restroom facilities.
Financial and Logistical Challenges
A senior official at the French presidency acknowledged the scale of the challenge, stating that the objective is to modernise the Louvre while maintaining its role as a global cultural and educational institution. The financial details of the renovation remain unspecified, but given the historical significance of the former royal palace, the works are expected to be both expensive and technically complex.
For comparison, the Pompidou Centre, another major museum in Paris, is set to close for a five-year renovation project costing €262 million, beginning at the end of this year.
Half of the Louvre’s budget is provided by the French state, covering the salaries of its 2,200 employees. The remaining funds come from private sources, including ticket sales, income from restaurants and shops, and sponsorship agreements. This includes financial support from the United Arab Emirates for the Louvre Abu Dhabi museum.
Reassessing the Display of the Mona Lisa
The manner in which the Mona Lisa is displayed has been a subject of debate. Des Cars suggested a reassessment of its current placement, proposing a dedicated room for Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece. President Macron confirmed that this change will be implemented.
At present, the Mona Lisa is exhibited behind protective glass in the museum’s largest room, which frequently becomes overcrowded with visitors seeking to photograph the renowned painting. This congestion often detracts attention from other significant works by Venetian masters such as Titian and Veronese.
Originally designed to accommodate four million visitors per year, the Louvre welcomed 8.7 million visitors last year. Over three-quarters of these were international tourists, primarily from the United States, China, Italy, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Spain.
This ambitious modernisation project aims to enhance the visitor experience while preserving the museum’s historical and artistic legacy.