The Louvre Museum, the most emblematic museum in France and the most visited in the world, is currently facing a crisis of survival, in a tumultuous year marked by robberies, structural failures and urgent calls for revitalization.
Once a royal residence, which has become a symbol of national pride and global cultural heritage, the Louvre Museum now finds itself at a crossroads, with its future at risk.
With centuries of history, the history of the Louvre is made of transformation and resiliencesays the French writer and political commentator Agnes Poirier in an opinion article in the British newspaper.
Originally a royal palace, which housed valuable collections of books, pieces of art and scientific treasures, it was converted, after the French Revolution, into a public museum, embodying the Enlightenment ideals of access to art for all.
Over the years, resisted revolutions, fires and even the Nazi occupationwith legendary episodes such as the theft of the Mona Lisa in 1911 and secret evacuations during the war, which only increased its mystery.
Today, however, the same galleries that once dazzled the world show alarming signs of abandonmentdiz Poirier.
Last year, the Louvre was shaken by a series of media incidents: one, the closure of the Campana gallery due to the risk of the roof collapsing, and the one that damaged part of the library of Egyptian antiquities and hundreds of historical documents.
These crises exposed structural and management problems profound, generating widespread concern among employees, the public and authorities.
Museum workers, supported by unions, began rotating strikes from December 15, demanding immediate measures to protect the institution’s priceless collections and its international reputation.
Internal reports, ignored for a long timereveal systemic problems with outdated security infrastructure and technology. Shockingly, one of the passwords, supposedly safe, it was simply “Louvre”.
As recent museum leadership picks They have also been the target of criticism, as 105 million euros were spent on new acquisitions in recent years, while only 27 million were allocated to essential maintenance.
O French government finally recognized the seriousness of the situation. The executive of Emmanuel Macron announced a comprehensive “renaissance” plan for the Louvre — a renovation valued at 1.15 billion euros, to be partially financed by taxpayers and increased ticket prices.
Key proposals include one with its own entrance, redesigned galleries, modernized facilities and a new eastern entrance to complement IM Pei’s famous glass pyramid.
It is also expected improvements to security systemswater supply, heating and electronic infrastructures. The winning architect will be chosen soon, with construction scheduled to begin in 2027 and completed in 2031.
To help fund these improvements, entry prices will increase in January: 32 euros for visitors from outside the European Union and 22 euros for EU residents. Under 18s and EU students will continue to have free entry.
The measure reflects the conviction that the mass tourismwhich brings the museum almost 9 million visitors per year, must contribute to resolve the challenges it, in part, helped create.
For many in France, the Louvre’s recent difficulties have been cause for concern. embarrassment and frustration. But with a new sense of urgency and commitment, there is hope that this legendary institution can be rescued, restored and preserved for future generations, concludes Poirier.
