Paris, France – The head of the Louvre Museum has issued a stark warning to the French government about the deteriorating condition of the world’s most-visited museum, highlighting concerns over leaks, overcrowding, and sub-standard visitor facilities.
Laurence des Cars, the first woman to lead the historic institution, detailed her concerns in a confidential memo addressed to Culture Minister Rachida Dati earlier this month. The memo, which was published by Le Parisien on Thursday, paints a troubling picture of the Louvre’s current state.
Des Cars warned of the “proliferation of damage in museum spaces, some of which are in very poor condition.” She further noted that some areas suffer from water leakage, while others face extreme temperature fluctuations, posing a risk to the preservation of priceless artworks.
Despite the French government’s financial constraints and the upcoming closure of the Pompidou Centre for extensive renovations, des Cars emphasized that an overhaul of the Louvre is urgently required. Such a project would likely be both costly and technically challenging, she acknowledged.
Overcrowding and Visitor Experience
The Louvre’s immense popularity is adding significant strain to the historic building. In 2023, the museum welcomed 8.7 million visitors—nearly double its intended capacity—leading to an overcrowding crisis.
Visitors face long queues, particularly to see Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, the museum’s star attraction. Des Cars has previously advocated for the masterpiece to have a dedicated exhibition space to ease congestion.
Beyond sheer numbers, she expressed concerns about the overall visitor experience. “The food options and restroom facilities are insufficient in volume, falling well below international standards. The signage needs a complete redesign,” she stated in the memo.
The lack of adequate rest areas is also a pressing issue, as tourists struggle to find places to take a break during their museum visits.
Structural and Design Flaws
Even the Louvre’s most modern addition, the glass pyramid entrance designed by Chinese-American architect Ieoh Ming Pei and inaugurated in 1989, came under criticism.
Des Cars described it as “very inhospitable” on hot days, functioning like a greenhouse and exacerbating heat inside the museum. She also noted the pyramid’s acoustic problems, which contribute to a noisy atmosphere.
The Louvre’s management has already taken steps to address some of these issues. Since assuming leadership in 2021, des Cars has introduced a cap on daily visitors at 30,000 and extended opening hours to alleviate congestion. She has also championed the idea of creating a second entrance to disperse crowds more effectively throughout the museum.
Future Challenges
Paris has witnessed a surge in international tourism following the COVID-19 pandemic, with 70 percent of Louvre visitors last year being foreign tourists. This influx has intensified the Louvre’s longstanding issues, requiring urgent action.
As the Pompidou Centre prepares for a €262 million ($272 million) renovation set to begin in September 2025, pressure mounts on French authorities to prioritize similar efforts for the Louvre. Without substantial investment and restructuring, one of the world’s most treasured cultural institutions risks further decline.
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