In brief
The Louvre, the world’s most visited museum, is in urgent need of financial support due to deteriorating infrastructure issues, including flooding and temperature fluctuations. President Macron’s planned visit comes as museum officials call for more resources to improve visitor experience and protect treasured artworks.
The Louvre, a cultural jewel and the most frequented museum globally, is struggling under the weight of skyrocketing visitor numbers and deteriorating infrastructure, as highlighted by its president, Laurence des Cars. In a leaked letter to government officials, des Cars lamented issues like power cuts, flooding, and the structural incapacity of the iconic glass pyramid, calling for a substantial increase in state funding. She noted that the treasured "Mona Lisa," which attracts up to 20,000 viewers daily, might need to be relocated.French President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to visit the Louvre on Tuesday, during which he could potentially announce a new investment strategy to address these growing concerns. However, his capacity to commit to significant financial plans has been limited following a loss of parliamentary control six months prior. The backdrop of strained financial resources in France, coupled with ongoing budget disputes for 2025, makes any concrete financial promises contentious.Christian Galani, representing the museum's employees, expressed worry over daily signs of wear and tear, such as peeling paint, flooded exhibition rooms, and delayed contractor payments due to financial constraints. Flooding recently disrupted a temporary exhibition in November 2023 shortly after its opening. Fluctuations in temperature—ranging from a chilly 10°C in winter to a sweltering 30°C in summer—are not only uncomfortable for staff and patrons but also threaten the preservation of delicate artworks.Des Cars underscored the necessity for improved public facilities, including restrooms, cafés, and seating areas, as visitor satisfaction is evidently waning. Approximately three-quarters of museum-goers solely aim to view the "Mona Lisa," but they average a meager 50 seconds for a glimpse due to overcrowding in the Salle des Etats, raising concerns about the museum’s mission to educate.Among potential solutions being contemplated is a new entrance at the eastern end of the palace, allowing for the construction of additional spaces to alleviate overcrowding and enhance amenities. This could also create opportunities for relocating the "Mona Lisa" or instituting a separate entrance fee for its viewing. Despite receiving a €96 million subsidy in 2024, with ticket and event revenues reaching €161 million in 2023, the museum is increasingly relying on corporate sponsorships and philanthropists for financial support, following successful fundraising efforts for the Notre Dame restoration. Culture Minister Rachida Dati has also indicated a willingness to consider raising entrance fees for non-EU visitors as a further funding strategy.
