Macron plans Louvre renaissance to address disrepair

French President Emmanuel Macron announced a major renovation project for the Louvre during a speech on January 28, 2025, addressing concerns raised by museum director Laurence des Cars about its deteriorating conditions due to overwhelming visitor numbers. The 'New Renaissance' initiative includes creating a special, independently accessible exhibition space for the Mona Lisa, alongside a new grand entrance to alleviate congestion. Macron emphasized that the Louvre's renovations would be financed through the museum's own resources, with potential visitor fee increases as a funding option. The museum's infrastructure has been under strain, with issues such as leaks, temperature fluctuations, and overcrowding threatening the preservation of its art collections. The Louvre, which welcomed 8.7 million visitors last year, requires extensive updates to ensure its longevity and improve the visitor experience. The project aims to engage international architects, with plans to select designs by the end of 2025 and complete renovations by 2031.