French President Emmanuel Macron recently unveiled a significant renovation plan for the Louvre Museum in Paris. This ambitious project, dubbed "Louvre New Renaissance," aims to modernize the world's most visited museum over the next decade. A key feature of the overhaul is a dedicated room for Leonardo da Vinci's iconic Mona Lisa, addressing overcrowding issues and enhancing the visitor experience.

Currently displayed behind protective glass in a crowded room, the Mona Lisa often overshadows other masterpieces. The new dedicated space, accessible via a special ticket, will not only improve viewing conditions for the Mona Lisa but also allow visitors to appreciate other artworks in the room more fully. Macron emphasized that the new display will be "up to what the ‘Mona Lisa’ deserves."

The Louvre's last major renovation was in the 1980s, when the glass pyramid was added. The museum now welcomes 8.7 million visitors annually, significantly exceeding the 4 million it was designed for. The planned improvements include a new entrance near the Seine River, slated to open by 2031, and additional underground rooms. Funding will come from ticket sales, patronage, licensing revenue from the Louvre Abu Dhabi, and increased ticket prices for non-EU visitors.

The estimated cost of the project is between 700 and 800 million euros, with about half going towards the new entrance. Beyond the Mona Lisa's relocation, the renovation addresses pressing issues like water leaks, temperature fluctuations, and inadequate facilities. Louvre Director Laurence des Cars recently highlighted these concerns, emphasizing the need for modernization to preserve the museum's invaluable collection. The "Louvre New Renaissance" promises to transform the museum into a safer, more comfortable, and ultimately more enriching experience for both visitors and staff.