Macron Unveils Ambitious Plans for Louvre Museum Revamp Ahead of 2027 Deadline
On January 28, French President Emmanuel Macron announced a significant restructuring initiative for the Louvre Museum in Paris, dubbed "New Renaissance." This ambitious plan earmarks funds for a new entrance and a dedicated section specifically for the iconic Mona Lisa, and is perceived as Macron's last major project as his presidency draws to a close in 2027.
The announcement followed the publication of revelations from a private letter by the museum's director, Laurence des Cars, which highlighted pressing structural and logistical challenges faced by the Louvre. In her correspondence, des Cars outlined the museum's inadequate facilities and solicited government support for necessary changes. Macron noted that efforts on the restructuring had been in the works for months, cultivated in conjunction with the museum's management team.
Founded in 1793, the Louvre has seen significant changes over the years, with its iconic glass pyramid entrance completed in the late 1980s. The museum spans a massive 360,000 square meters, with just 86,000 dedicated to public viewing. The Louvre has consistently ranked as the most visited art museum globally, welcoming around 8 million visitors in 2023 alone, eclipsing the Vatican Museums by two million visitors.
Des Cars has served as the director since 2021 and has advocated for improvements to meet modern standards. Macron’s initiative aims to avoid a complete museum closure but will instead require temporary closures over the coming years to implement changes.
A focal point of the project is relocating the Mona Lisa from its current location in the Salle des États to a more secluded exhibit with an exclusive entrance, requiring a separate ticket. This move is intended to mitigate the excessive crowding that currently overwhelms the current display area; the room attracts approximately 20,000 visitors daily, denominating a logistical necessity for a restructured viewing experience.
Critics, however, warn that isolating the painting may diminish its appreciation, turning it into a mere spectacle rather than an integral part of the museum's broader narrative.
In conjunction with the new Mona Lisa space, Macron announced plans for a sizable new entrance on the eastern side, an idea that has floated in discussions for years. The pyramid entrance, bolstered to handle just 4 million visitors—less than half of the current numbers—has faced criticism for its inefficiencies and poor climate management, making a new entry critical for future adaptations.
Construction on the new features is projected to begin at the end of 2025, with a potential opening slated for late 2031 and costs anticipated around 300 million euros, drawing funds from government revenue, private donations, and the museum's income.
Visitor experience has also drawn des Cars' concern, prompting Macron to address the lack of adequate resting and dining facilities. The proposed underground area would encompass new exhibition spaces, including a dedicated room for the Mona Lisa and enhanced public reception areas, in line with modern museum standards.
Renovation efforts will also focus on addressing numerous structural issues, including leaks and mold found in several galleries, as well as an outdated plumbing system that has been problematic. Disruptions from flooding have forced temporary closures of exhibits, exacerbating the need for a comprehensive overhaul.
Staff conditions remain a pressing concern as well; reports indicate the museum has shrunk its workforce by over 200 positions in the last decade due to budget constraints, stressing remaining employees and limiting operational capacity.
Funding for the initiatives will be sourced from existing state grants, the museum's revenue generation—comprising ticket sales and private event rentals—and private donations. The budgetary landscape presents challenges due to ongoing political crises affecting France's fiscal year, as seen in the proposed state grants which have decreased over recent years.
As part of the Louvre's revenue strategy, ticket prices rose from 17 to 22 euros, further aligning with admission fees for major global museums. Additional increases for non-EU visitors are scheduled for 2026, while younger Europeans will continue to enjoy free admission under existing laws.
While the efforts laid out in Macron's New Renaissance plan signal a necessary evolution for one of the world’s most cherished institutions, the project's success hinges on collaboration, innovative funding, and the ongoing commitment to preserving both the artworks and the visitor experience.
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