Khaizuran RashidFrench President Emmanuel Macron announced that the famous Mona Lisa will move to a new exhibition area in the Louvre Museum. The relocation is projected to be completed by 2031. This shift is part of the “New Renaissance” project, which aims to modernise the museum and fix problems with overcrowding and old infrastructure.
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Tackling Overcrowding and Infrastructure
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Over nine million people visit the Louvre each year. About 30,000 arrive on a typical day, which undeniably overwhelms the museum. In fact, most of these visitors come just to see the Mona Lisa, yet they only get around 50 seconds in front of the painting.
Louvre director Laurence des Cars wrote to the government, saying that the iconic glass pyramid entrance, which was constructed in 1989, can no longer handle these large crowds. She also explained that the museum needs to rethink its approach on how the Mona Lisa is showcased to better serve the public.
Key Parts of the “New Renaissance”
- Moving the Mona Lisa
The painting will move to a specially designed gallery. There, visitors will enjoy a better view and a calmer atmosphere. - New Entrance and Underground Spaces
The Louvre will hold an international design competition for a second entrance. This new entry point aims to ease congestion below the pyramid. It will also lead to new underground galleries beneath the Cour Carré, which will connect to the existing area under the pyramid. - Redesigning the Eastern Façade
The museum’s eastern side features a classical colonnade and a man-made moat. Under the new plan, designers will turn that space into a tree-lined green area, creating a more pleasant public space in line with the city’s goals. - Upgrading Facilities
The project includes modern toilets, better restaurants, and new rest areas to improve the museum experience for everyone.
Funding and Other Changes
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The project is projected to cost several hundred million euros. President Macron says ticket sales, donations, and a sponsorship deal with the Louvre Abu Dhabi will pay for it. Thus, there should be no extra cost to French taxpayers. However, it has to be noted the Louvre will change its prices from Jan 2026. Non-EU visitors, including those from the UK, will have to pay higher entry fees!
A Lasting Legacy
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This plan marks the most significant change at the Louvre since President François Mitterrand’s “Grand Louvre” project, which began about forty years ago. It also fits President Macron’s broader vision, which included restoring Notre-Dame Cathedral after the devastating 2019 fire. Even though he has faced hurdles in parliament, Macron views this “New Renaissance” as essential for serving both local communities and tourists.
These upcoming improvements will help the Mona Lisa shine in a better space. They will also weave the Louvre more closely into the streetscape of Paris, creating a richer experience for everyone.
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