Trip to the Louvre Is About to Get a Lot Pricier
TimeDec 13, 2023
The Facts
The Louvre Museum, which welcomed 8.7M visitors last year, is experiencing structural problems including water leaks and temperature control issues that threaten the preservation of artworks, according to a confidential memo from Museum Director Laurence des Cars to Culture Minister Rachida Dati.
The historic building, originally designed to accommodate 4M visitors annually, is now operating at more than double its intended capacity, leading to physical strain on the infrastructure and creating what des Cars describes as a "physical ordeal" for visitors.
The museum's iconic glass pyramid, designed by I.M. Pei and inaugurated in 1989, has been criticized for creating greenhouse-like conditions during hot weather, reportedly making the space inhospitable for both visitors and staff.
The Spin
Narrative A
The Louvre requires immediate and substantial renovation to protect its priceless collection and maintain its status as a world-class institution. The current state of disrepair poses an unacceptable risk to both artworks and visitors, with some areas no longer being watertight and experiencing dangerous temperature fluctuations. The situation has reached a critical point where delay is no longer an option.
Narrative B
The proposed renovations, estimated at €450M , come at a challenging time given France's current budget constraints and the ongoing Pompidou Center renovation project. The suggested changes, including a new eastern entrance and dedicated Mona Lisa room, may be financially unfeasible and could further disrupt museum operations during implementation.
Narrative C
The issues occurring at the Louvre are not an isolated case. Overtourism is a widespread problem, and popular attractions all over the globe are grappling with the issue. The Louvre and other ultra-popular tourist spots must do more to prioritize long-term sustainability instead of short-term gains.
