In brief
The Louvre, the world’s most visited museum, is facing a crisis due to mounting visitor numbers and declining infrastructure, according to a leaked letter from its president, Laurence des Cars. With daily attendance exceeding 30,000, urgent financial intervention is required to tackle issues like power outages, flooding, and deteriorating facilities. Macron’s upcoming visit may signal new funding initiatives, but budget constraints and his reduced political power complicate potential solutions.
Laurence des Cars' letter highlighted alarming infrastructure concerns, warning that the museum is crumbling and “structurally unable to cope.” Notably, she mentioned the risk of relocating the prized Mona Lisa, which attracts 20,000 viewers daily. The Louvre, which received a state subsidy of €96 million in 2024, is looking increasingly toward private donations due to the uncertainty of further public funding. Options under consideration include a new entrance and improved visitor facilities to enhance the experience for art lovers and ease congestion, particularly around the Mona Lisa exhibition.
