In brief
The iconic painting will find a new home within the museum by 2031, aiming to enhance visitors' experience amidst growing crowd issues.
The famous Mona Lisa is set to relocate within the Louvre as part of President Emmanuel Macron's ambitious New Renaissance project. Speaking in front of the renowned artwork, the French leader revealed that by 2031, the masterpiece will be displayed in a new exhibition area, which will require separate tickets for entry. This move comes as a response to overcrowding, with the museum welcoming around 30,000 visitors daily and over nine million annually.Macron's renovation plan also includes an international competition to create a new entrance that would alleviate congestion caused by the iconic glass Pyramid. Louvre director Laurence des Cars had previously expressed concerns over inadequate infrastructure, emphasizing the need for improvements to accommodate visitors and enhance their experience. The presentation of the Mona Lisa is at the center of this discussion, as current viewing conditions only allow for about 50 seconds per visitor.The renovation will include redesigning the museum's eastern facade and creating new underground exhibition spaces, ultimately fostering a “green” area around the museum. Macron assures that this transformative project will not burden taxpayers—funding will come from ticket sales, donations, and sponsorships, including a deal with the Louvre Abu Dhabi. This project marks a significant milestone, comparable to former President Mitterrand's Grand Louvre initiative over 40 years ago, as Macron seeks to solidify his legacy in Paris.
