The iconic Mona Lisa painting is set to be relocated to a new exhibition space at the Louvre in Paris as part of a major renovation plan for the world’s most visited museum.
French President Emmanuel Macron made the announcement in front of the masterpiece by Leonardo da Vinci, stating that the change will be implemented by 2031 and visitors will be charged separately to view the painting.
This move is part of Macron’s New Renaissance project, which also includes an international competition to design a second entrance to alleviate the growing pressure of visitor numbers at the museum.
Additionally, tariff changes will be introduced from next January, with non-EU residents, including UK tourists, having to pay more for admission.
The decision to move the Mona Lisa comes after warnings from the Louvre’s director Laurence des Cars about overcrowding and failing infrastructure at the museum.
Des Cars highlighted that the current presentation of the painting was inadequate, with visitors only having an average of 50 seconds to observe it due to the constant crowds in the gallery.
As part of the renovation project, the museum’s eastern facade will be redesigned to create a new entranceway leading to underground exhibition spaces.
This will also allow for the proper presentation of the Mona Lisa and easier viewing of other masterpieces in the Salle des Etats. Major renovation work will be undertaken to modernize infrastructure and provide new facilities, with the overall cost estimated to be several hundred million euros.
Macron assured that the project will be funded through ticket sales, donations, and the museum’s sponsorship deal with the Louvre Abu Dhabi, and will not cost taxpayers anything.
The president views this project as a way to leave a lasting legacy, following his successful involvement in the post-fire renovation of Notre Dame Cathedral.
