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By Gabe Whisnant
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French President Emmanuel Macron said Tuesday the Mona Lisa will receive its own dedicated room in the Louvre while announcing that the museum will undergo a significant renovation and expansion, a project expected to take several years.
As part of the overhaul, a new entrance near the River Seine is planned to open by 2031, along with the creation of underground rooms. Macron made the announcement during a speech from the current Louvre room where the Mona Lisa is displayed.
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Why It Matters
The extensive renovation project aims to modernize the world's most visited museum, addressing current issues with overcrowding and outdated facilities.
The Louvre's significant overhaul includes a dedicated room for the Mona Lisa, the iconic painting by Leonardo da Vinci that is one of the world's most famous artworks.
What To Know
The renovation effort is driven by concerns about the museum's current state. Louvre Director Laurence des Cars had earlier expressed worries about the building's gradual deterioration, citing issues like water leaks, temperature variations and inadequate facilities, as highlighted in a note to Culture Minister Rachida Dati. These factors pose risks to the preservation of the museum's artworks, prompting the need for significant updates.
The Louvre's last major overhaul was in the 1980s when the iconic glass pyramid was introduced during late President François Mitterrand's tenure. Now, the museum's facilities are seen as lacking by modern international standards. The pyramid, serving as the museum's entrance, is not well insulated against temperature extremes and tends to amplify noise, making the environment uncomfortable for visitors and staff. Additionally, there is a shortage of dining options and restroom facilities for the daily influx of visitors.
Macron confirmed that the Mona Lisa, now displayed behind protective glass and often subject to overcrowded and noisy queues of visitors, will be moved to a specially dedicated room. This move aims to provide a more suitable environment for appreciating Da Vinci's masterpiece, allowing more focused and comfortable viewings away from the crowded gallery that houses other Venetian masterworks.
The ambitious renovation project will not only aim to alleviate current problems but also redefine the visitor experience, ensuring that the Louvre continues to be an international cultural and educational beacon. The museum welcomed 8.7 million visitors last year, with a significant portion coming from abroad, including the United States, China and neighboring European countries.
What People Are Saying
An unnamed official in the French presidency told the Associated Press: "We're faced with a collective challenge. That is, how can we adapt the Louvre to expectations, welcome visitors from across the world in comfortable conditions and also be leading a commitment for artistic and cultural education?"
What Happens Next
The renovation project is expected to be both costly and technically challenging. Although the exact financial details were not disclosed, estimates suggest the endeavor will run into hundreds of millions of euros.
The financing for such a grand project will draw from a mix of state funds and private sources. Currently, half of the Louvre's budget is provided by the French state, covering the salaries of the museum's 2,200 employees. The remainder comes from ticket sales, shops, restaurant earnings and special events, as well as contributions from patrons. The latter includes support from the United Arab Emirates for using the Louvre's brand for the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
Update 1/28/25, 12:29 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information and background.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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