The Louvre, the world’s most visited museum, has launched an international architectural competition as part of a five-year, €400 million ($417 million) renovation plan. The project aims to expand the museum’s space, ease visitor congestion, and provide a new exhibition space for Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa.”
The competition, which opened on June 27, seeks proposals that blend seamlessly with the Louvre’s 17th-century classical colonnades. A jury of 21 individuals will select five finalists in October, with the overall winner to be announced early next year.
The renovations include creating a new 33,000-square-foot subterranean gallery for the “Mona Lisa,” set beneath the Cour Carrée courtyard. This space will require timed-entry access to manage the constant crowds that currently overwhelm the painting’s room.
Louvre announces new entrance competition
Laurence des Cars, the Louvre’s director, highlighted the need for the renovation in an internal letter leaked to Le Parisien. The letter mentioned issues such as water leaks and unstable climate conditions that threaten the museum’s collection. The new entrance on the eastern façade is expected to relieve pressure on the current access points, including the iconic glass-and-steel pyramid designed by I.M. Pei in 1989.
The Louvre aims to make the museum more accessible while preserving the integrity of its historical architecture. French President Emmanuel Macron unveiled his vision for the museum in January, calling it a “New Renaissance” and pledging the funds for the overhaul. The design competition and renovation are seen as vital steps toward ensuring the Louvre can continue to operate smoothly and preserve its priceless collections for future generations, as it welcomes nearly 9 million visitors annually.
