The Louvre Museum, recognized globally as the most-visited museum and home to Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa,” is urgently seeking assistance from the French government for comprehensive restoration and renovation efforts. According to a recent letter addressed to CNN and revealed by South China Morning Post, Louvre President Laurence des Cars highlighted alarming issues affecting the centuries-old structure, including problematic water leaks and significant fluctuations in temperature that jeopardize the preservation of its remarkable art collection.

Originally constructed in the late 12th century as a royal residence, the Louvre transitioned into a public museum in 1793 after King Louis XIV removed the royal family to Versailles out of concern for public unrest. Last year, the museum welcomed an impressive 8.7 million visitors, all using the iconic pyramid entrance designed by architect I.M. Pei. However, this entrance has created challenges, notably a greenhouse effect that results in uncomfortably high temperatures in the subterranean reception area during summer.

Des Cars noted that visiting the museum has become increasingly difficult, describing it as “a physical ordeal.” Current conditions have led to inadequate signage, insufficient resting areas, and an overall lack of facilities that maintain visitor comfort. Although designed to accommodate around four million visitors annually, record attendance peaked at 10.2 million in 2018. In response, des Cars has implemented a limit of 30,000 visitors per day to combat overcrowding.

While specifics of funding for the renovation have yet to be detailed, reports from Reuters suggest that renovation costs might reach approximately **€500 million** (approximately **$525 million**), a significant undertaking for President Emmanuel Macron’s administration, which has encountered legislative hurdles in finalizing its budget for 2025.

Discussions are reportedly underway between Macron's office, the culture ministry, and the Louvre, with a source indicating that the President has been attentive to these pressing issues. Des Cars’ proposal includes plans for not only a comprehensive renovation of existing spaces but also the potential construction of a new wing dedicated to the Mona Lisa, along with an additional entrance at the museum’s eastern end to ease congestion at the Pyramid entrance.

The culture ministry has yet to respond to inquiries regarding its plans for addressing these highlighted concerns, but the ongoing discussions underscore the urgent need to preserve France's cultural treasure amidst rising visitor numbers and deteriorating conditions.