PARIS — French President Emmanuel Macron has announced a sweeping renovation plan for the Louvre, the world's most-visited museum, which has faced criticism for overcrowding and deteriorating facilities. The ambitious project, branded "Louvre New Renaissance," will include a new grand entrance near the Seine River, expected to open by 2031, and will be primarily funded through ticket sales, patronage, and other museum revenues.

In a speech delivered directly in front of Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa, Macron revealed that the iconic painting will be relocated to its own dedicated room, allowing for a more manageable visitor experience. This move aims to ease congestion and provide a space that reflects the significance of the masterpiece. "Conditions of display, explanation and presentation will be up to what the 'Mona Lisa' deserves," Macron stated, emphasizing the need for a better visitor experience.

The Louvre currently receives approximately 8.7 million visitors annually, more than double the 4 million it was originally designed to accommodate. The renovation is projected to cost between €700 million and €800 million ($730 million to $834 million), aimed at bringing the museum up to international standards of safety and comfort. Plans include enhancements to the layout to address longstanding issues such as poor temperature control and noise reduction, highlighted in a recent report from Louvre Director Laurence des Cars to the French culture minister.

Macron's plan includes funding strategies that involve raising ticket prices for foreign visitors from outside the European Union, expected to take effect in January 2026. The changes are part of a broader strategy to revitalize the Louvre, which has served as a cultural cornerstone since its establishment as a royal palace. The new entrance is planned to alleviate the congestion currently experienced at the museum’s famed glass pyramid entrance, which has been criticized for creating a greenhouse effect.

The renovation project follows major public works like the recent restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral, which Macron likened to this initiative. "The redesigned Louvre, restored and expanded, will become the epicenter of art history for our country and beyond," he asserted. By modernizing this cultural landmark, France aims to maintain its prestigious position in global tourism.

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