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Macron to Address Louvre’s Structural Issues Following Urgent Warning

The French president will visit the Louvre on January 28 to respond to concerns over the museum's deteriorating infrastructure and the risks to its artworks.

Emmanuel Macron au musée du Louvre à Paris, le 7 juin 2023.
La dernière phase de grands travaux au Louvre s’est achevée en 1995, ajoutant 75.000 mètres carrés au musée.
Le Louvre, en octobre 2024.
Au musée du Louvre à Paris, le 23 janvier.

Overview

  • Laurence des Cars, the Louvre's president, warned of severe structural issues, including leaks, outdated systems, and temperature fluctuations threatening artwork preservation.
  • The museum, originally designed for four million annual visitors, saw nearly nine million in 2024, exacerbating strain on its facilities.
  • The iconic glass pyramid, built in 1988, is deemed inadequate for current visitor volumes and climate challenges, creating uncomfortable conditions for both visitors and staff.
  • Macron's upcoming speech is expected to outline government plans for addressing these issues, potentially drawing parallels to the Notre-Dame restoration effort.
  • The Louvre's challenges include insufficient visitor amenities, inadequate signage, and funding gaps, with an estimated €100 million needed for urgent repairs.