SOS At The Louvre: Paris Icon Calls For Urgent Restoration

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The Louvre, the world’s most-visited museum and home to Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic “Mona Lisa,” is urgently seeking help from the French government to address the aging state of its exhibition halls and improve the preservation of its priceless art collection.

In a letter to Culture Minister Rachida Dati, revealed by Le Parisien and confirmed by Reuters, Louvre President Laurence des Cars described the museum's critical condition. The centuries-old building faces severe challenges, including water leaks and drastic temperature fluctuations that jeopardize the conservation of its treasures.

The Louvre, originally built in the late 12th century as a palace for French kings, transitioned into a public museum in 1793 after King Louis XIV relocated to Versailles. Despite its historic grandeur, the museum is now struggling to meet the demands of modern visitors.

Last year, 8.7 million visitors entered through the iconic pyramid-shaped entrance designed by architect I.M. Pei. However, this glass structure has its own issues, such as intensifying the heat in the subterranean reception area during summer, making visits physically uncomfortable.

In her letter, des Cars highlighted several visitor complaints, including inadequate signage, insufficient seating areas, and limited food and restroom facilities. "A visit to the Louvre has become a physical ordeal," she wrote.

Originally designed to accommodate four million visitors annually, the Louvre saw record attendance of 10.2 million in 2018. To combat overcrowding, des Cars, who took office in 2021, capped daily attendance at 30,000 visitors.

The proposed renovations could cost up to €500 million ($525 million), according to French news channel BFM. While des Cars’ letter didn’t specify financial details, the price tag presents a significant challenge for President Emmanuel Macron's government, which is already grappling with budgetary constraints.

Discussions are reportedly underway between Macron’s office, the culture ministry, and the museum. A source close to the president confirmed that he has been closely monitoring the issue for months.

The Louvre is also considering additional measures, such as constructing a new wing for the “Mona Lisa” and creating an eastern entrance to ease congestion at the Pyramid entrance.

For Macron, the Louvre holds symbolic significance. He delivered his 2017 victory speech in front of the museum, and the Tuileries Gardens, adjacent to the palace, played a prominent role during the 2024 Paris Olympics.

With its unparalleled legacy and reputation at stake, the Louvre’s call for urgent restoration is not just a plea for funding but a rallying cry to preserve one of France’s most treasured landmarks.

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