Crisis at the Louvre: What Does the Future Hold for the Mona Lisa?

The Louvre is bursting at the seams, as anyone who has visited the museum can attest. It is estimated that around 20,000–30,000 people visit daily, adding up to approximately 9 million visitors per year. Remarkably, four out of five of them come specifically to see the Mona Lisa.

Louvre Director Raises the Alarm

Last week, a leaked memo from Laurence des Cars, the museum’s director, revealed the deplorable state of the building. According to her report, some exhibition spaces have climate conditions that pose a direct threat to the artworks – water is leaking into the building, and the temperature within the rooms is unstable. Shortly after des Cars' warning, President Macron announced a renovation project for the museum, which will be funded by an increase in ticket prices for tourists from outside the EU.

What Can We Expect from the Louvre’s New Look?

A long-anticipated plan to relocate the Mona Lisa to a dedicated room is set to be implemented. Furthermore, given the painting's immense popularity among visitors, the museum will introduce a separate ticket for access to this new exhibition space, which will also have its own entrance.