Macron Set to Address Louvre's Growing Concerns Amid Infrastructure Crisis

The Louvre, known as the world’s most visited museum, is experiencing mounting structural problems and requires urgent financial support, as outlined in a leaked letter from its president, Laurence des Cars. With approximately 30,000 visitors daily, the museum is grappling with issues such as power outages, flooding, and deteriorating facilities. Macron's upcoming visit shines a light on these challenges amid a backdrop of strained finances and a contentious budget debate in France.

In her letter, des Cars expressed grave concerns over the conditions affecting both staff and visitors. An unpredictable climate control system has led to drastic temperature swings, endangering invaluable artworks and creating discomfort. Essential amenities like restrooms and cafés also require improvement. Notably, the viewing experience of Leonardo da Vinci's iconic Mona Lisa has become difficult, with the average visitor only able to spend around 50 seconds at the famous painting.

Options for addressing these issues include potential renovations to create new visitor accesses and possibly relocating the Mona Lisa to enhance the audience's experience. The Louvre's financial reliance on state funding, with a recent subsidy of €96 million, complicates the path forward, as the museum increasingly turns to corporate sponsors and philanthropists for additional resources. As Macron prepares for his visit, the future of the Louvre's infrastructure and visitor experience remains uncertain.