In brief
The renowned painting will see changes in its exhibition space, aiming to address overcrowding issues and enhance visitor experience at the world's most visited museum.
The article text: In a landmark announcement, President Emmanuel Macron unveiled plans to relocate the world-famous Mona Lisa to a newly designed exhibition space within the Louvre, a pivotal initiative in a larger effort to renovate the museum. This move is part of Macron's ambitious New Renaissance project aimed for implementation by the year 2031. Visitors will incur an additional fee to see the iconic painting.Standing before the masterpiece by Leonardo da Vinci and addressing a gathering of dignitaries, President Macron outlined a comprehensive strategy that also includes an international competition to create a second entrance to alleviate overwhelming visitor numbers that have placed immense strain on the Louvre's capacities. Starting January 2024, changes in ticket prices will also see non-EU residents, including UK tourists, facing higher fees to access the museum.Currently, the Louvre sees an astounding daily footfall of approximately 30,000, reinforcing its status as the most visited museum globally. Macron's announcement comes in response to grave concerns articulated by the museum's director, Laurence des Cars, who highlighted critical issues of overcrowding and deteriorating infrastructure. In a public letter earlier this month, she described the glass pyramid entrance, which has served as the museum's primary access point since 1989, as "structurally unable to cope" with the vast influx of annual visitors exceeding nine million.Des Cars pointed out that around 75% of daily visitors are drawn to the Mona Lisa, yet the experience of viewing the masterpiece has devolved into a challenging ordeal, with the average visitor scrambling to catch a glimpse in only 50 seconds while navigating a constantly moving throng in the Salle des Etats. "The public... has no way of comprehending the artist's work, which raises questions over our whole mission of public service," she stated.With the new development, the eastern façade of the Louvre, currently dominated by a classical colonnade coupled with an artificial moat, is set for a transformation. An additional entrance will pave the way for enhanced underground exhibition spaces beneath the Cour Carré, integrating seamlessly with the area below the pyramid. This façade redesign marks the most significant alteration to the museum since President François Mitterrand's Grand Louvre project four decades ago.President Macron emphasized that relocating the Mona Lisa would improve its presentation while allowing other artworks in the Salle des Etats to receive the attention they deserve. Major modernization efforts will also provide upgraded infrastructure, new restroom facilities, dining options, and relaxation areas for visitors; this undertaking is estimated to cost several hundred million euros.Crucially, Macron assured that the renovation would not burden taxpayers, as it would be financed through ticket sales, contributions, and a sponsorship arrangement with the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Following a setback when he lost control of the French parliament six months ago, the president is eager to secure a prominent legacy, a desire kindled by his successful leadership during the post-fire restoration of the Notre-Dame cathedral.
