The iconic Mona Lisa will soon be relocated within the Louvre Museum in Paris as part of a massive renovation project aimed at addressing overcrowding and improving the museum’s infrastructure. French President Emmanuel Macron announced the move while unveiling his ambitious New Renaissance initiative, which is expected to be completed by 2031. Under this plan, visitors will be charged an additional fee to view the famous painting.
Macron’s announcement came as part of a broader vision to alleviate congestion in the museum, which currently welcomes around 30,000 visitors daily, making it the most visited museum in the world. To address these challenges, the project will also include an international design competition to create a second entrance for the museum, easing traffic under the glass Pyramid that serves as the main access point.
Starting next year, ticket prices for non-EU residents, including UK tourists, will increase as part of the Louvre’s effort to manage the growing number of visitors.
The Mona Lisa‘s relocation is one of several proposed changes after Louvre Director Laurence des Cars highlighted issues with the museum’s capacity and infrastructure. The famous painting currently attracts the majority of visitors, often creating crowded conditions that limit the time people have to experience the artwork. With the new plans, Macron hopes to give the Mona Lisa the proper presentation it deserves, as well as give visitors a chance to explore other masterpieces that are often overlooked.
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In addition to relocating the Mona Lisa, the museum’s eastern façade will undergo a redesign, incorporating a new entrance that will lead to expanded underground exhibition spaces. These changes are expected to help the museum blend more seamlessly into the city, with a focus on creating a “green” zone for visitors.
The renovation, which could cost several hundred million euros, will be funded by ticket sales, donations, and a partnership with the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Macron emphasized that no taxpayer money will be used for the project. This ambitious initiative follows the success of his leadership in the restoration of Notre-Dame Cathedral and is seen as a significant step in ensuring the Louvre remains a world-class institution for future generations.
