Macron to address Louvre concerns amid museum condition warnings

Tuesday 28 January 2025 - 09:08

French President Emmanuel Macron plans to visit the Louvre Museum on Tuesday following concerns raised about the deteriorating state of the iconic cultural institution. The visit comes shortly after the museum’s director issued a memo highlighting significant challenges impacting both visitors and the preservation of its artworks.

The president’s visit, announced by the Élysée last week, underscores the Louvre’s symbolic importance to France. "The Louvre is a national treasure and a source of immense pride for the French people," stated a presidential official. "We cannot ignore the risks threatening the museum today."

The Louvre, the world’s most visited museum, remains closed to the public on Tuesdays, ensuring Macron’s visit avoids interaction with regular visitors. The announcement follows revelations that Laurence des Cars, the first woman to lead the museum, addressed a memorandum to the Minister of Culture earlier this month. In her note, she detailed pressing issues, including widespread structural damage and environmental concerns.

Des Cars noted that certain parts of the museum are no longer watertight, while others face temperature fluctuations that jeopardize the preservation of its priceless collections. Even the museum's iconic glass pyramid, inaugurated in 1989 and designed by renowned architect Ieoh Ming Pei, came under criticism for its "major shortcomings." She described it as excessively hot on warm days, making it uncomfortable and noisy for visitors.

Despite budgetary constraints and the upcoming closure of the Pompidou Museum for renovations, des Cars emphasized the urgent need for significant investment in the Louvre. The museum hosted 8.7 million visitors last year, nearly double the capacity it was initially designed for. She expressed concern about overcrowding and the diminished quality of the visitor experience.

Tourists frequently complain about long waits to see the Mona Lisa, the museum's most famous exhibit. Des Cars has previously proposed creating a dedicated space for the masterpiece, citing the need to improve how it is presented to the public. Since her appointment in 2021, she has implemented measures such as capping daily visitors at 30,000 and extending operating hours. Additionally, she supports plans for a second main entrance to help better distribute foot traffic throughout the museum.

As Macron prepares for his visit, the focus will be on addressing these challenges and ensuring the Louvre remains a beacon of French culture and heritage.