Louvre Museum Renovation and Moving the "Mona Lisa"

Through the upcoming renovations, the Louvre will continue to affirm its role as a national art treasure, where history and modernity intersect, creating a unique cultural experience for both locals and international visitors.

The moving of the "Mona Lisa" and its significance

In a major announcement, French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that the famous Mona Lisa painting will be moved to a separate room at the Louvre museum as part of a comprehensive renovation project.

The decision was made to address concerns about crowding and the museum's deteriorating infrastructure, which have made visiting the world's most famous painting a difficult experience for many.

Tourists take photos of the “Mona Lisa” painting in its current location.

Currently, the Mona Lisa is on display at the Salle des États, attracting around 20,000 visitors a day, often resulting in long queues and chaos as people try to admire Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece.

The Louvre, which welcomed some 8.7 million visitors last year – more than 75% of whom came from outside France – is struggling to keep up with the growing demand. The museum’s last major renovation in the 1980s, which included the iconic glass pyramid designed by architect IMPei, was only expected to accommodate 4 million visitors a year. Over time, this growth has led to significant logistical challenges.

Louvre director Laurence des Cars addressed these issues in a letter, citing water leaks, temperature fluctuations that threaten the preservation of artworks, and inadequate facilities for both visitors and staff.

The glass pyramid was built in the 1980s as part of a renovation to help the museum accommodate the 4 million visitors it receives each year.

French President Macron's renovation plan for the museum, dubbed the "Louvre Nouvelle Renaissance", aims to modernise and expand the museum's facilities over the next decade. The Mona Lisa will be given a "special space" that will allow it to be displayed independently of other works of art.

This new exhibition area will require a separate ticket to enter, ensuring that visitors can enjoy the painting without being distracted by crowds. President Macron stressed that this new display will reflect the Mona Lisa as it deserves, enhancing the visitor experience while preserving the cultural value of this masterpiece.

In addition to creating a dedicated room for the Mona Lisa , the renovation will also introduce a new entrance near the Seine, which is expected to open in 2031. This entrance is expected to ease congestion at the current entry point and improve visitor flow within the museum.

Chaos broke out as people tried to admire Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece

The project is estimated to cost between €700 million and €800 million ($715 million and $815 million), with funding coming from ticket sales, private donations and revenue from a partnership with the Louvre Abu Dhabi. President Macron’s ambitious plans are not only aimed at preserving the Mona Lisa , but also at addressing the broader infrastructure issues that have plagued the museum for years.

Moving the Mona Lisa into a separate space is not only an effort to enhance the visitor experience, but also to emphasize its significance in French culture.

The Louvre Museum as part of French identity

The Louvre is more than just an art institution, it is a symbol of French cultural pride and honor. As one of the most visited museums in the world, it is a testament to France's rich artistic heritage and the nation's commitment to preserving and presenting art from many different periods and cultures.

Originally built as a fortress in the late 12th century and later converted into a royal palace, the Louvre is a testament to centuries of French history. Its evolution reflects France’s journey through monarchies, revolutions and modernizations. The museum holds more than 35,000 works of art, including masterpieces by artists such as Claude Monet, Eugène Delacroix, Jacques-Louis David… making it an important repository of Western art history. This historical significance adds to its role as a national symbol.

French President Emmanuel Macron said the painting would be moved to an “independently accessible” location in the museum.

The Louvre's collection spans many periods, showcasing not only French art, but also artifacts from ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Greece, Rome and many others. This diversity highlights France's historical role as a cultural crossroads in Europe and beyond.

As French President Emmanuel Macron said in his announcement: “The Louvre is not just a museum, it is part of the French identity.” This sentiment resonates deeply with both locals and international visitors, who consider the museum an essential part of their cultural experience in France. In today’s globalized world, the Louvre continues to adapt while maintaining its core identity. The upcoming renovations will not only improve the visitor experience, but also symbolize France’s commitment to cultural preservation amid the challenges posed by mass tourism and climate change. French President Emmanuel Macron’s initiative aims to ensure that future generations can enjoy this national treasure in the best possible condition.

Additionally, by increasing ticket prices for non-EU visitors starting in January 2026, the Louvre is taking steps to manage visitor numbers while ensuring that it remains accessible to those who want to experience it. The balance between accessibility and preservation is crucial to maintaining its status as a leading cultural institution.

The Louvre is at a pivotal moment in its history. Moving the Mona Lisa to a dedicated space is not only an effort to enhance the visitor experience, but also to emphasize its significance in French culture. The renovations taking place over the next decade, under the vision of the “Louvre Nouvelle Renaissance,” are an opportunity for France to reaffirm its commitment to preserving its artistic heritage while adapting to modern demands.

The work has been discussed non-stop for the past 500 years.

The Mona Lisa is not only famous for its mysterious smile, but also contains many interesting facts that few people know. One of the notable secrets is that her eyes contain small characters, including the letters LV, which may stand for Leonardo da Vinci, along with some numbers such as 72.

These findings were confirmed by modern technology and show that the painting is not simply a work of art, but also a work containing many profound messages.

In addition, many researchers believe that the Mona Lisa may not have been completed. Some theories suggest that her model is not just a specific woman, but may be a combination of many ideal models in da Vinci's imagination. This adds to the mystery and appeal of the painting, making it a subject of constant research and debate for over 500 years.

According to thethaovanhoa.vn

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