Mona Lisa to get dedicated room in Louvre as part of major renovation of ‘outdated’ museum, says Macron
Mona Lisa to get dedicated room in Louvre as part of major renovation of ‘outdated’ museum, says Macron
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Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa may be relocated to a dedicated room in the Louvre. The Mona Lisa will be given its own dedicated room inside the Louvre as part of a major renovation of the world’s most famous art gallery, French president Emmanuel Macron has said.
![[The Louvre’s director Laurence des Cars also gave a speech on Tuesday]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/01/28/16/11858423.jpg)
Brand new underground rooms and a new entrance near the River Seine will be part of the gallery’s overhaul, which is expected to take years to complete, Mr Macron said from the room where Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece is displayed. The renovation is expected to run into the hundreds of millions of euros, and will look to address problems with overcrowding and outdated facilities in the Paris.
![[Ms des Cars expressed concerns about the state of the building]](https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/01/28/16/d35853f533274afdbe6bcf72eb1a015d.jpg)
Mr Macron’s speech came after Louvre director Laurence des Cars expressed his concern regarding the “very poor condition” of the museum’s spaces, with reports of water leaks, temperature variations and other issues “endangering the preservation of artworks”.
The latest overhaul, which dates back to the 1980s when the iconic glass pyramid was unveiled, now appears outdated, Ms des Cars said in the note to culture minister Rachida Dati, seen by Le Parisien. Insulation in the building is poor, the director stressed, and the building tends to amplify noise, making it an uncomfortable space for the public and staff. There is also a notable lack of food offerings and bathrooms, she added.
An official at the French presidency, who could not be named due to customary practices, said: "We’re faced with a collective challenge. That is, how can we adapt the Louvre to expectations, welcome visitors from across the world in comfortable conditions and also be leading a commitment for artistic and cultural education?".
