The Louvre will be renovated and the 'Mona Lisa' will have her own room

PARIS -- French President Emmanuel Macron unveiled ambitious renovation plans for the Louvre on Tuesday, addressing issues like disrepair and overcrowding at the world's most-visited museum. The project, named Louvre Nouvelle Renaissance ("Louvre New Renaissance"), is expected to take nearly a decade and aims to modernize the museum amidst challenges posed by mass tourism, security demands, and climate change. Key features will include a new grand entrance and a dedicated space for the Mona Lisa.

Macron emphasized the importance of culture and long-term vision in his speech delivered alongside the iconic masterpiece. The renovations are seen as not only a cultural initiative but also a political statement, showcasing France's commitment to its heritage. The new entrance will be located on the eastern side of the museum to alleviate congestion at the currently overcrowded glass pyramid, which has become inadequate for the nearly 9 million annual visitors.

The Louvre’s president-director, Laurence des Cars, had previously raised concerns about the museum's infrastructure, citing severe degradation and outdated technical equipment. French reports indicated that the renovation could cost around 800 million euros ($834 million). Macron assured that the project is fully funded through the museum’s own revenue streams, including ticket sales and sponsorships, avoiding any financial burden on taxpayers.

In addition to addressing visitor flow, the renovation will enhance safety measures, particularly due to the museum's location in a flood-prone area. The new entrance is expected to open by 2031, following an architectural competition, contributing to a more accessible and enjoyable experience for a projected increase in annual visitor numbers to 12 million.

Critics suggest that Macron's push for this renovation may partly stem from a desire to solidify his political legacy, especially after the successful restoration of Notre Dame. Art critic Didier Rykner noted that Macron aims to be seen as a savior of cultural landmarks, positioning the renovation as a significant milestone in his administration's commitment to preserving France’s artistic heritage.