The art world is buzzing following the announcement of the design team selected to lead the Louvre’s ambitious ‘Louvre–Nouvelle Renaissance’ redevelopment project. On May 18, 2026, the French Minister of Culture revealed that a formidable trio – STUDIOS Architecture (Paris), Selldorf Architects (New York), and French landscape architecture firm BASE Paysagiste – will oversee the massive overhaul, a renovation championed by President Emmanuel Macron in January 2025. This project aims to repair and transform the iconic museum, ensuring the preservation of its priceless collections, meeting contemporary public expectations, and enhancing sustainability.
This isn’t just a touch-up; it’s a monumental undertaking. The budget for the ‘Louvre–Nouvelle Renaissance’ is now estimated at a staggering €1.1 billion, a significant jump from the initial €700-800 million projections. The French Court of Auditors has even put the total cost slightly higher, at €1.15 billion. Set to be completed by 2031, this marks the most significant renovation the museum has seen in over 35 years, a scale not witnessed since the completion of I.M. Pei’s iconic glass pyramid in 1989.
Central to this transformation is a bold plan to reimagine the visitor experience, particularly for those eager to catch a glimpse of Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. Currently, the enigmatic portrait draws an estimated 20,000 visitors daily, accounting for roughly 80% of the museum’s total foot traffic. To accommodate this global superstar and improve overall flow, the Mona Lisa will be relocated to a dedicated private room beneath the Cour Carrée, complete with its own separate access. The redevelopment also promises two new entrances, new exhibition areas beneath the Cour Carrée, and significantly improved visitor circulation.
The decision to embark on this extensive renovation stems from pressing needs. The Louvre’s current Pyramid entrance, originally designed for 4 million annual visitors, is now struggling under the weight of 8.7 million visitors in 2024, with projections soaring to 12 million. Former director Laurence des Cars had voiced concerns about deteriorating conditions, persistent overcrowding, aging infrastructure, and logistical challenges. The ‘Nouvelle Renaissance’ directly addresses these issues by focusing on the museum’s eastern facade, introducing new underground entrances, and reconfiguring public pathways to alleviate the notorious congestion at the existing Pyramid entrance.
Financing such an enormous endeavor requires a diverse approach. Funding sources include the museum’s own resources, revenue from ticket sales, substantial patronage, and a licensing agreement with the Louvre Abu Dhabi. To further support the renovations, ticket prices for non-EU visitors are scheduled to increase starting in 2026. However, the project hasn’t been without its critics. Some Louvre workers and cultural experts have voiced concerns, arguing that the ambitious plans may not adequately prioritize other urgent, albeit less glamorous, repairs the museum requires.