Louvre Renovation to Give Mona Lisa Dedicated Room “`

January 30, 2025 by No Comments

The Louvre Museum announced a decade-long renovation and expansion project, “Louvre New Renaissance,” which will include a dedicated room for the “Mona Lisa.”

President Macron, speaking from the “Mona Lisa’s” current location, revealed the project, including a new entrance near the Seine, scheduled for completion by 2031.

While the exact budget remains undisclosed, estimates range up to €800 million ($834 million). The museum’s last major renovation was in the 1980s, with the unveiling of the glass pyramid.

A look at what’s at stake:

Enhanced Visitor Experience

The “Mona Lisa” will move to a new, dedicated room accessible via a special ticket, streamlining visits and reducing congestion in other areas. The aim is to provide a presentation befitting the painting’s significance.

Currently, the painting’s display behind protective glass within an overcrowded room diminishes the impact of other works by artists like Titian and Veronese.

The 1980s renovation catered to 4 million annual visitors; last year, the Louvre welcomed 8.7 million, over 75% being international visitors, primarily from the U.S., China, Italy, the U.K., Germany, and Spain.

Extensive and Costly Project

Funding for the new Seine entrance, to be completed by 2031, will come from ticket sales, donations, and licensing revenue from the Louvre Abu Dhabi. A design competition is planned.

A senior French official, remaining anonymous per presidential protocol, estimated the overall renovation cost at €700-800 million ($730-834 million) over ten years, with half allocated to the new entrance.

Non-EU visitors will face increased ticket prices (from €22/$23), with promises of improved safety and comfort for both visitors and staff.

Comparing the project to the Notre Dame restoration, Macron declared the renovated Louvre “the epicenter of art history.”

The project’s funding will be split equally between the French government (including staff salaries for 2,200 employees) and private sources, such as ticket sales, revenue from restaurants and shops, special events, patrons, and other partnerships.

Addressing Urgent Repairs

The renovation follows Louvre Director Laurence des Cars’ concerns regarding the museum’s “obsolescence,” detailed in a memo to Culture Minister Rachida Dati. This highlighted water damage, temperature fluctuations, and other issues affecting artwork preservation, as reported by Le Parisien.

The 1989 pyramid, while iconic, lacks adequate insulation, amplifying noise and causing discomfort. Furthermore, the museum suffers from insufficient food and restroom facilities.