French President Emmanuel Macron announced on January 30, 2025, the beginning of extensive renovations at the Louvre Museum, aimed at enhancing the visitor experience and improving the exhibition conditions for iconic artworks. A notable highlight of the renovation will be the creation of a dedicated room for Leonardo da Vinci's renowned painting, the Mona Lisa. This shift is expected to alleviate the overwhelming crowds surrounding the masterpiece, enabling visitors to appreciate her enigmatic smile without throngs of fellow admirers.
The need for renovation has been pressing. During his speech at the Louvre, Macron noted the monumental influx of visitors the museum has experienced. Last year, the Louvre welcomed 8.7 million visitors, nearly double the four million it attracted during the 1980s, marking the time when its last major renovation took place, which included the installation of the iconic glass pyramid entrance by architect I.M. Pei.
To address the growing visitor numbers and congestion, the newly announced plans feature not only the relocation of the Mona Lisa but also the construction of additional spaces and improvements of existing facilities. "The expansion of the museum will allow the Mona Lisa to be moved to a new, dedicated room accessible to visitors through a special ticket," said Macron. This designated space is expected to streamline the flow of foot traffic and heighten the art viewing experience, making visits simpler for those solely interested in seeing the painting.
The Louvre's director, Laurence des Cars, has expressed growing concerns about the museum's infrastructure, highlighting issues of water leaks, temperature fluctuations, and inadequate visitor facilities as serious threats to the preservation of its artworks. “The museum is threatened by obsolescence,” she stated earlier this month. The current entrance, as noted, does not meet the needs of modern standards and amplifies noise, creating discomfort and distraction.
Macron announced plans to create a new entrance near the River Seine, targeted for completion by 2031. This new access point aims to relieve the congestion currently surrounding the Louvre's iconic glass pyramid, which has become increasingly outdated. This current entrance was originally built for four million visitors and is inadequate for handling the existing numbers.
The renovation project, outlined as the "Louvre New Renaissance," will significantly modernize the facility, with costs expected to reach between €700 million and €800 million (approximately NZ$1.5 billion). The financial burden of this renovation will not fall on taxpayers; instead, it will be covered by the Louvre's own revenue streams, including ticket sales, donations, and proceeds from its Abu Dhabi affiliate.
Starting January 2026, admission prices for non-European visitors will be raised—a move Macron confirmed is part of ensuring the museum can sustain its operations and conservation efforts. Although exact price changes have not yet been disclosed, the expectation is to match the elevated costs with improved facilities and services.
Despite the challenges posed by financial constraints and the logistics of such extensive renovations, Macron conveys optimism about the future of the Louvre. He emphasized the collective efforts of the government and cultural institutions aimed at adapting the museum to modern summer and winter seasonal expectations, ensuring its status as a global cultural hub for generations to come.
During the renovation period, museum officials have assured visitors they will continue to experience the Louvre's world-class collection, which encompasses masterpieces from artists like Michelangelo, Vermeer, and Rembrandt, even as construction and revitalization efforts take place. This plan not only focuses on the visual display of the famed Mona Lisa but also ensures her legacy is preserved and celebrated within the grand educational and cultural mission of the Louvre.
With these renovations, the Louvre aims to create a more comforting and enriching experience for the millions who flock to witness the Mona Lisa's enigmatic charm each year. The long-awaited, ambitious transformation of this beloved institution promises to bolster the Louvre’s ability to showcase its masterpieces and expand its role as a premier destination for art lovers worldwide.