The iconic Mona Lisa painting, which is housed in the Louvre Museum in Paris, is all set to get a dedicated room to itself, which will be accessible using a separate access pass.
President of France, Emmanuel Macron, announced the renovation of the historic museum while standing in front of Leonardo Da Vinci's masterpiece. The move is part of a major renovation and expansion of the Paris landmark that will take up to a decade.
The renovation project, branded “Louvre New Renaissance,” will include a wide new entrance near the Seine River, to be opened by 2031, Macron said in a speech. He didn't disclose the exact amount budgeted for the project to modernise the world's most visited museum, which is plagued with overcrowding and outdated facilities. Estimates say it can reach up to EUR 800 million (INR 72 billion).
The Louvre's last overhaul dates back to the 1980s, when the iconic glass pyramid was unveiled. As of 2024, the museum attracted 8.7 million visitors. Apart from Leonardo Da Vinci's Mona Lisa painting, the Louvre is also home to the Coronation of Napoleon by Jacques-Louis David, the Venus de Milo by Alexandros of Antioch and many more timeless pieces of art.
Half of the Louvre's budget is being financed by the French government, including the wages of the 2,200 employees. The other half is provided by private funds, including ticket sales, earnings from restaurants, shops and bookings for special events, as well as patrons and other partners. Macron said that ticket prices would be raised for foreign visitors from outside the European Union, up from EUR 22 (INR 1,983) now. He promised the museum would be safer and more comfortable for both the public and employees.
(With inputs from multiple news agencies)
