The Louvre Museum in Paris is set to undergo a major renovation, with President Emmanuel Macron announcing plans to alleviate crowds at the world’s largest museum. The Louvre will create a new entrance on its eastern facade, near the Seine River, to reduce congestion and increase revenue through higher ticket prices for non-European Union visitors.
The massive project aims to welcome 12 million visitors per year, up from nearly nine million currently, while providing better conditions for art lovers. A dedicated room for the Mona Lisa will be built underneath the Cour Carrée courtyard, with its own separate ticket. The renovation is expected to be completed by 2031 at the latest.
Critics argue that the project does not address underlying issues such as aging infrastructure and inadequate facilities. Labor unions representing museum employees have expressed concerns about the impact of the renovation on staff and visitors.
Despite these concerns, President Macron believes the Louvre will become an “epicenter of art history” for France and beyond. The new entrance and exhibition space are seen as part of his legacy-building efforts, with some experts saying they aim to bolster his reputation ahead of his term’s end in 2027.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/28/arts/design/mona-lisa-louvre-macron.html