President Macron visited the Louvre today to unveil an ambitious plan for the world’s most popular Museum, promising a “New Renaissance” for the institution.
Standing in front of Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, he endorsed a sweeping transformation proposed by the Museum’s director Laurence des Cars after she raised concerns about the Louvre.
The president outlined a €400m proposal for a new entrance on the Eastern Wing of the Museum as well subterranean spaces and a dedicated room for the Mona Lisa with a separate ticketing system. The plan includes a new exhibition gallery, educational areas and improved reception facilities.
Macron predicted that visitor numbers would rise to 12 million annually when the new entrance opens in 2031, with 7.5 million coming from France. The redesign would link the Museum to a pedestrian area leading to the nearby Samaritaine luxury shopping centre and hotel owned by LVMH. While Macron described the project as “realistic” and suggested it could be funded through museum revenues and private sponsorships, questions remain over the financial specifics.
Representatives for the President said a cost of €700m–€800m could be calculated for the more extensive renovations due to be carried out, although sources within the Louvre estimate the figure could be much higher. The Culture Ministry pledged €10 million for preliminary studies this year. Still, much of the burden appears to rest on external sponsorships and increased ticket prices for non-European tourists (including the UK) when the cost is set to rise. Macron also announced a €400 million plan to restore the Louvre’s infrastructure and the Grande Galerie of Italian painting. The project has been described as “an international step” following the reconstruction of Notre Dame Cathedral.
While Macron described the project as “realistic” and suggested it could be funded through museum revenue and private sponsorships, questions remain over the financial details.
Sophie Primas, a government spokesperson, distanced the state from Macron’s vision, insisting that “the president talks only for himself” and rejecting a 500m contribution. She said no additional funding would be forthcoming over the €100 million grant allocated this year.
Meanwhile, unions at the Louvre and voices from France’s cultural industry have criticised what they see as an extravagant Paris-focused initiative. They say the Louvre has neglected essential maintenance over the past four years, leaving staff and resources overstretched. The unions also challenged the project’s massive cost at a time when public spending was under intense scrutiny as France grappled with budget cuts to rein in its record deficit.
For Macron, whose presidency has been marred by parliamentary gridlock and widespread public dissatisfaction, the Louvre project may be an attempt to bolster his legacy. Yet critics say his focus on high-profile cultural landmarks risks overshadowing deeper structural issues in France’s arts and heritage funding.