Overview

• A leaked memo from Louvre Director Laurence des Cars highlights severe structural issues, including water leaks, temperature fluctuations, and overcrowding, threatening the preservation of artworks.
• The Louvre, designed for 4 million visitors annually, saw 8.7 million visitors in 2024, causing strain on its facilities, including inadequate rest areas, food options, and restrooms.
• The museum's glass pyramid entrance, celebrated as a modern icon, has been criticized for its greenhouse effect and noise, prompting calls for a new eastern entrance to ease congestion.
• Des Cars has proposed reassessing the display of the Mona Lisa, which draws 80% of visitors, with suggestions for a dedicated gallery to improve visitor experience and crowd management.
• President Emmanuel Macron is set to visit the museum next Tuesday to address the concerns, as the Louvre seeks additional funding for a costly and technically complex renovation.