One of the world’s most famous paintings, the Mona Lisa, will soon have its own special room in the Louvre Museum in Paris.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced the plan, saying he was “humbled” to stand before Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece. The painting will move to an underground space as part of a major project to improve the museum, which is expected to be completed by 2031.
The project includes new exhibition rooms and a brand-new entrance by the River Seine. Visitors will need a separate ticket to see the Mona Lisa, which may help ease the overcrowding problem. The last major upgrade to the Louvre was in 1989, when the famous glass pyramid was added. Back then, the museum was designed to hold four million visitors a year. However, in 2024, the Louvre welcomed around nine million people—many eager to snap a selfie with the painting.
Currently, about 30,000 people visit the Louvre each day, making it the most visited museum in the world. Visitors hoping to see the Mona Lisa are quickly guided through the main viewing room and get only about 50 seconds to admire it. In a recent letter, Louvre director Laurence des Cars warned that overcrowding and damage to the building are serious concerns. She also noted that the large crowds make it difficult for visitors to truly appreciate the artwork.
Before the new construction begins, the museum will also increase ticket prices. Starting in January, tourists from outside the European Union, including visitors from the UK, will have to pay more to enter.
