In brief
The Louvre's president warns of crumbling conditions and infrastructure issues, pushing for urgent investment. As 30,000 daily visitors flood the museum, President Macron plans a visit, potentially to announce much-needed funding.
The Louvre is the world's most visited museum, welcoming about 30,000 visitors daily, but it's showing signs of severe distress. Laurence des Cars, the museum's president, sent a leaked letter to the government urging immediate financial support amid mounting issues such as power cuts, flooding, and deteriorating infrastructure. The iconic glass pyramid, a central entrance point since 1989, is reportedly "structurally unable to cope" with the current visitor surge. President Emmanuel Macron, engaged in the museum's plight, will visit the Louvre on Tuesday, possible signaling a new investment plan. However, tensions over France's budget and Macron's reduced parliamentary powers complicate the situation. Christian Galani from the museum's trade union highlighted daily signs of decline, from peeling paint to flooded storage rooms. Given the fluctuating temperatures threatening art conservation and visitor comfort, a temporary exhibition recently relocated due to flooding indicates the urgency of the situation. As around 75% of visitors flock to see the Mona Lisa, the current setup fails to meet public expectations, offering only 50 seconds of viewing time. Possible solutions being explored include a new entrance to alleviate congestion and improve facilities. The Louvre's current state subsidy of €96 million may be insufficient, driving the need for corporate sponsorship to resolve its growing financial woes while officials consider raising entrance fees for non-EU visitors.
