The Louvre has unveiled major renovations under the “New Renaissance” project, according to the Associated Press.
As part of the redesign, the iconic and revered “Mona Lisa” will be relocated to her own dedicated room within a new exhibition.
This move highlights the museum’s commitment to enhancing the visitor experience and showcasing the masterpieces in an elevated space.
The ‘Mona Lisa’ is moving
The Louvre, one of the most visited museums in the world — with over nine million visitors annually — is set for major renovations, according to NBC News.
The “Mona Lisa” will be relocated to a new exhibition space and private room to address overcrowding and aging infrastructure, as reported by the BBC.
French President, Emmanuel Macron, announced that visitors wishing to view the iconic artwork will now need to purchase a special ticket. This change aims to provide a more intimate experience, allowing guests to appreciate the masterpiece without the usual crowds.
Macron emphasized that the new presentation will reflect the “Mona Lisa’s” significance, stating, “presentation will be up to what the ‘Mona Lisa’ deserves,” according to the AP.
The renovation will include a redesign of the museum’s eastern side, currently featuring a classical colonnade and artificial moat, according to the BBC.
The project also calls for a new entrance that will provide access to an exhibition space beneath the Cour Carreé, linking to the area under the pyramid.
President Macron said the design will align with the city’s plans to establish a, “tree-filled ‘green’ zone on the esplanade,” the BBC reported.
The transformation is part of a broader effort to enhance the museum’s visitor experience while giving back to Parisians and integrating nature into the urban landscape.
According to the AP, Macron did not give the exact estimate that the project will cost, but it is said to be an estimate of 800 million euros ($834 million).
What moving the Mona Lisa entails
The Louvre, renovated in the 1980’s to accommodate 4 million annual visitors, now attracts over 9 million each year, according to the BBC and the AP.
With 30,000 daily visitors, per the BBC, lining up to see Leonardo Da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa,” the room housing the painting is the museum’s largest, often overwhelmed by crowds eager for selfies and their chance to see the painting of the lady with the mystic smile.
This constant influx of visitors disrupts the art experience, diminishing appreciation for the other works displayed.
Laurence des Cars, the Louvre’s director, wrote in a letter to President Macron, acknowledging the challenges caused by the painting’s popularity.
“Da Vinci’s masterpiece is a work of art that appeals to the whole world,” she said. “As a result of this popularity, the public flocks to the Salle de Etats without being given the means to understand the work and the artist, thereby calling into question the museum’s public service mission,” according to NBC News.
Amid news of the “Mona Lisa” potentially being relocated, Francesca Caruso, cultural assessor for Italy’s Lombardy region, suggested the painting be returned to Milan, where it could be displayed alongside Da Vinci’s “The Last Supper,” NBC News reported.