Louvre Launches Global Design Competition for $400M Expansion, New Mona Lisa Gallery

The Louvre Museum in Paris has launched an international architectural competition to address severe overcrowding and expand its facilities, including a new entrance and a dedicated 33,000-square-foot underground gallery for the Mona Lisa. The competition, announced by French President Emmanuel Macron and supported by Louvre director Laurence des Cars, seeks innovative designs that integrate with the historic 17th-century facade, contrasting with the existing glass pyramid entrance. The new gallery, located beneath the Cour Carrée courtyard, will offer visitors a more contemplative experience with timed ticket access and provide historical context about the painting, including its 1911 theft. The project aims to improve visitor flow and accommodate up to 12 million guests annually, up from the current 9 million, while also enhancing infrastructure with additional renovations. A 21-member international jury will select five finalists in October, with a winner expected to be announced early next year. The expansion is part of a broader €270-400 million renovation plan to modernize the museum and ease congestion following recent staff strikes and reports of dilapidated conditions.