Paris, France – The Louvre Museum, home to the famous Mona Lisa painting by Leonardo da Vinci, is considering significant upgrades to enhance the visitor experience. The museum’s director, Laurence des Cars, expressed the institution’s intent to improve conditions surrounding the iconic artwork during an interview with French broadcaster France Inter. Des Cars highlighted the importance of providing a more satisfying experience for visitors, especially concerning the viewing of the Mona Lisa.
A recent report in the French newspaper Le Figaro revealed plans to move the Mona Lisa into a separate underground room, away from its current shared space with other artworks. The proposed renovations, estimated at 500 million euros, aim to create distinct entry points for the Mona Lisa and temporary exhibitions. However, potential financial constraints due to state budget cuts could impact the final cost of the project.
As the world’s most-visited museum, the Louvre attracts millions of visitors annually, with the Mona Lisa being a major draw. Despite its popularity, museum-goers have voiced frustrations over long wait times, crowded conditions, and limited viewing time of the painting behind protective glass. One analysis labeled the Mona Lisa as “the world’s most disappointing masterpiece” based on negative visitor reviews, further underscoring the need for enhanced visitor experiences.
In addition to addressing visitor concerns, the Louvre’s focus on improving facilities comes ahead of Paris hosting the Olympic Games this summer. The museum has recently launched a special exhibition exploring the origins of the global sports event. These efforts align with the museum’s ongoing commitment to preserving and showcasing its world-renowned art collection.
Over the years, the Mona Lisa has endured various attacks, including a recent incident where climate activists threw soup at the painting without causing damage. Despite such challenges, the Louvre continues to uphold its reputation as a cultural landmark, seeking to provide enriching experiences for visitors from around the world.