In a bold move as part of the Louvre’s renovation plans, President Emmanuel Macron has announced that the Mona Lisa will be relocated to a new exhibition space in the museum by 2031.
This decision is a key component of the French leader’s New Renaissance project, which aims to address overcrowding issues and revitalize the iconic museum, the world’s most visited.
Macron made the announcement in front of Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, with dignitaries in attendance.
Under the new plan, visitors will have to pay an additional fee to view the Mona Lisa, and changes will also be introduced to ease the strain on the museum caused by its 9 million annual visitors.
As part of this effort, the Louvre will hold an international competition to design a new entrance, alleviating congestion around the famous glass Pyramid.
The Louvre’s director, Laurence des Cars, had previously highlighted the museum’s infrastructure challenges, including the pyramid’s inability to handle the soaring visitor numbers.
In a letter made public earlier this month, she also raised concerns about the presentation of the Mona Lisa, which has become the focal point of three-quarters of the museum’s daily visitors.
This has led to a less-than-ideal experience, with many spending only about 50 seconds in front of the painting due to the constant crowds.
Under Macron’s renovation plans, the eastern facade of the Louvre will be redesigned, featuring a new entrance that provides direct access to underground exhibition spaces beneath the Cour Carré.
This will connect to areas under the pyramid and improve the flow of visitors.
The new design will also incorporate a green zone on the esplanade, contributing to the integration of the museum into the city’s urban landscape, while making it more accessible to Parisians.
The move of the Mona Lisa will allow the museum to present the masterpiece in a more fitting manner and create more space to showcase other masterpieces that often go unnoticed in the Salle des Etats.
In addition, the Louvre’s infrastructure will undergo major upgrades, including modernized restrooms, restaurants, and facilities.
The ambitious project, estimated to cost several hundred million euros, will be funded through ticket sales, donations, and a sponsorship agreement with the Louvre Abu Dhabi.
Macron assured that the project would not burden taxpayers, as it will be financed through these sources.
This announcement marks a significant chapter in Macron’s quest to leave a lasting legacy, following his successful leadership in the restoration of Notre-Dame Cathedral.
With his authority diminished after losing control of the French parliament, Macron seems determined to create another grand cultural project to solidify his historical impact.
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