When the main entrance was first unveiled back in 1989, it was designed to accommodate around 4 million visitors annually. Fast forward to last year, the Louvre welcomed a staggering 9 million guests, with hopes to reach 12 million visitors per year in the future. To facilitate this projected increase, French President Emmanuel Macron recently announced an ambitious 10-year plan to revamp and extend the museum. Part of the proposal includes creating a new entrance on the east side of the structure to better manage the influx of visitors. This new entry point is set to become the primary access, as the current pyramid entrance is insufficient to handle the current volume, let alone the expected surge. The existing access is cramped, offers limited space below, and becomes exceedingly hot during the summer due to its glass construction. Nevertheless, the Louvre Pyramid will remain an access point for visitors. The new entrance will lead to the museum’s eastern courtyard, the Cour Carrée, with plans to expand downwards to construct new galleries beneath it. One of these galleries is slated to house the museum’s most renowned piece, the Mona Lisa.
When questioned about what they are most eager to see within the museum, the majority of individuals waiting in line express their anticipation to view the Mona Lisa. Carlos from San Diego shares, “I’ve always dreamt of seeing it, ever since I was young. I’m a huge fan, and this is one of the highlights for me.” Echoing similar sentiments is Ella from Canada, who has visited the Louvre on multiple occasions during past trips to Paris. However, upon entering the room where the Mona Lisa is displayed, the painting’s global appeal leads to throngs of people vying for a glimpse of her enigmatic visage. The painting’s relatively modest dimensions often surprise visitors, prompting some to resort to using their smartphone cameras’ zoom feature for a closer view.
Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece is housed in the Salle des États, the largest chamber in the Louvre, alongside significant works by Venetian masters Titian, Tintoretto, and Veronese, which are frequently overlooked. Despite the remarkable piece by Veronese, “The Wedding Feast at Cana,” adorning the back wall opposite the Mona Lisa, it often goes unnoticed by visitors. Des Cars, the museum director, describes the Mona Lisa as a universally acclaimed masterpiece that captivates people, warranting organized viewing. She emphasizes that one of the renovation’s aims is to enhance visitor circulation, enabling them to easily locate their preferred collections and explore the wonders of the Louvre. Des Cars envisions the new main entrance bridging the museum with the surrounding city more effectively, providing a tangible link. She acknowledges the iconic status of the Pyramid but notes its somewhat isolated position in Paris, detached from the city. The upcoming eastern entrance is seen as a means to establish direct connectivity with the city, striking a harmonious
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The ambitious renovation project is set to span a total of 10 years. Six years will be dedicated to expanding the structure, while an additional four years will be allocated for essential repairs to the building and modernizing outdated technical systems. The security measures will also be enhanced to accommodate the growing number of visitors entering the museum. With an estimated cost of approximately $800 million, President Macron has assured that French taxpayers will not bear the financial burden, although government funding will cover the $10 million required for initial surveys and planning.
To help finance the extensive renovations, changes in ticket pricing will be implemented, with visitors from outside the European Union expected to pay higher fees starting next year. It is argued that French and European taxes already contribute to supporting public cultural institutions, making it reasonable to adjust ticket prices accordingly. Museum Director des Cars emphasized that the intention is not to discourage international tourism or penalize anyone, but rather to align with economic realities.
In addition to these measures, the Louvre has launched a fundraising campaign, banking on the institution’s global prestige to attract donations from around the world. This effort aims to ensure the museum’s continued position as a top cultural destination while adapting to contemporary demands.
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