Mona Lisa gallery renovation brings extra fees for visitors

In France, the Louvre Museum is preparing for a significant renovation that is expected to reshape its visitor experience and enhance the display of iconic artworks. With a budget of €800 million, the major redevelopment aims to improve the museum’s overall infrastructure and mitigate overcrowding, which has been a growing concern among staff and visitors alike. The redevelopment plan includes a new 3,000 square meter gallery dedicated to Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, which will provide a more intimate viewing experience and contextual displays related to the painting's history. The museum's director, Laurence des Cars, announced that once the renovations are complete, visitors will be required to purchase two tickets: one for general museum entry, priced at €30 for non-EU citizens and €22 for EU citizens, and a second ticket for access to the exclusive Mona Lisa gallery. This new approach aims to relieve congestion around the famous artwork, which has been a major draw for the museum and has attracted over 8.7 million visitors in a recent year. The public's response remains to be seen, particularly given the additional costs of visiting one of the world's most famous museums. The announcement comes at a time of heightened discontent among museum staff, who have expressed their frustrations regarding overcrowding and deteriorating visitor conditions. Recent protests have raised awareness about the need for better management of visitor flows. Staff have reported that the daily cap of 30,000 visitors is difficult to maintain effectively and that management strategies need to be improved to ensure a more respectful experience for both visitors and employees. There is a sense of urgency to address these issues given the increase in visitor numbers in recent years. The Louvre's officials have indicated that the renovation will not only focus on the iconic Mona Lisa but also on providing a cultural reimagining of the space. With new entrance areas and the fundamentally redesigned gallery, the goal is to offer visitors new narratives about the museum's art collection, thus enhancing their appreciation and understanding of each piece. Key milestones in the redevelopment project include the launch of an architectural competition aimed at sourcing innovative ideas for the new gallery setup and facility upgrades. The anticipated completion date for all renovations is set for 2031, and the museum is aiming to continue its legacy as a primary destination for art lovers around the globe.