The Louvre, the world's most visited museum, is facing a significant upgrade to address overcrowding and outdated facilities. French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to announce a costly renovation plan, possibly amounting to hundreds of millions of euros.
Current Condition
Louvre director Laurence des Cars has raised concerns about the deteriorating state of the museum's spaces, citing issues such as water leaks, temperature variations, and inadequate insulation. The iconic glass pyramid, unveiled in the 1980s, is now considered outdated and fails to meet international standards.
Renovation Challenges
The planned renovation is expected to be complex and expensive, with specific details on funding yet to be disclosed. The Louvre's budget is split between state financing and private funds, including revenue from ticket sales, restaurants, and partnerships.
Mona Lisa Display
Questions have been raised about the display of the Mona Lisa, the museum's most popular attraction. Suggestions have been made to create a dedicated room for the painting to alleviate overcrowding and allow for a better viewing experience.
Visitor Numbers
Despite the Louvre's last major renovation in the 1980s being designed for 4 million visitors annually, the museum now welcomes over 8.7 million visitors each year, with a significant portion coming from foreign countries such as the United States, China, Italy, the UK, Germany, and Spain.
