Macron Announces Major Renovation Plans for the Louvre Museum
French President Emmanuel Macron unveils a major renovation project for the Louvre Museum, including a dedicated space for the Mona Lisa and a new grand entrance.
French President Emmanuel Macron has unveiled plans for a major renovation of the Louvre Museum in Paris, one of the world’s most visited cultural landmarks.
The project, named 'New Renaissance,' aims to redesign, restore, and expand the museum to address concerns raised by its director, Laurence des Cars, about deteriorating conditions and overwhelming visitor numbers.
Key aspects of the project include the creation of a 'special space' for the Mona Lisa, which will be independently accessible with its own access pass, and the construction of a new grand entrance to alleviate congestion at the museum's current entry point.
A 'national architecture competition' will be held to select designs, with work expected to be completed by 2031. The renovation, estimated to cost hundreds of millions of euros, will be funded by the museum's own resources, including a new fee for non-EU visitors.
Macron has also indicated that private donations will be sought, following the success of fundraising for the restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral.
The Louvre, which saw 8.7 million visitors last year, has become strained by its popularity, leading to concerns over the preservation of its collection.
The renovation plans come amidst Macron's declining popularity, though some critics suggest that the announcement is politically motivated.
The project, named 'New Renaissance,' aims to redesign, restore, and expand the museum to address concerns raised by its director, Laurence des Cars, about deteriorating conditions and overwhelming visitor numbers.
Key aspects of the project include the creation of a 'special space' for the Mona Lisa, which will be independently accessible with its own access pass, and the construction of a new grand entrance to alleviate congestion at the museum's current entry point.
A 'national architecture competition' will be held to select designs, with work expected to be completed by 2031. The renovation, estimated to cost hundreds of millions of euros, will be funded by the museum's own resources, including a new fee for non-EU visitors.
Macron has also indicated that private donations will be sought, following the success of fundraising for the restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral.
The Louvre, which saw 8.7 million visitors last year, has become strained by its popularity, leading to concerns over the preservation of its collection.
The renovation plans come amidst Macron's declining popularity, though some critics suggest that the announcement is politically motivated.
