The Louvre Museum in Paris has unveiled plans for an extensive €800 million renovation project, scheduled for completion by 2031. Central to this transformation is the relocation of Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic painting, the Mona Lisa, to a newly designed 3,000 square meter gallery beneath the Cour Carrée courtyard.
The new gallery aims to provide the masterpiece with more space, allowing visitors to appreciate the artwork in a less congested and more contemplative environment. Museum director Laurence des Cars emphasized the need to “give our masterpieces space to breathe,” highlighting the importance of improving both the display and overall visitor experience.
In addition to the physical changes, the museum will introduce a revised ticketing system. Visitors will need to purchase a general entrance ticket to the Louvre—priced at €30 for non-European Union citizens and €22 for European visitors—along with an additional supplement for access to the Mona Lisa gallery. The exact cost of this supplement has not yet been disclosed.
This redevelopment seeks to address longstanding issues of overcrowding and congestion that have sparked staff protests in recent years. Alongside enhancing visitor flow, the project will also upgrade the museum’s facilities to better accommodate the millions who visit annually.
The Louvre’s ambitious renovation reflects a broader commitment to preserving its world-renowned collections while adapting to the evolving needs of modern museum-goers.
