The Louvre’s Transformation: Macron’s Announcements and What They Mean for Visitors
The Louvre’s Transformation
Following our previous article on the Louvre’s overcrowding and structural challenges, French President Emmanuel Macron has now unveiled an ambitious reform plan to transform the world’s most-visited museum. With new entry regulations, infrastructure improvements, and enhanced accessibility, these changes will directly impact future visitors. For those exploring Paris, especially through Voilà Tours’ guided experiences, understanding these updates is essential.
President Emmanuel Macron has unveiled an ambitious plan to modernize the Louvre Museum, aiming to enhance the visitor experience and preserve this cultural treasure for future generations. Here are the essential points for tourists to remember:
New Grand entrance
A "new grand entrance" will be created on the Louvre's eastern façade, at the level of Perrault's Colonnade. This entrance, scheduled to open by 2031 at the latest, aims to decongest the famous Glass Pyramid.
Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece, the Mona Lisa, will be moved to a special space in the Carré courtyard, accessible independently from the rest of the museum15. Visitors will need a separate "access ticket" to view the painting, which should create a more peaceful viewing experience.
Differentiated Pricing for Non-EU Visitors
Starting January 1, 2026, non-European Union visitors will pay higher entrance fees. This measure aims to support the museum's renovation costs while maintaining accessibility for EU residents. In a bid to support museum funding, admission fees for tourists from outside the European Union will increase. While exact pricing details are yet to be finalized, this move aims to balance accessibility for locals with financial sustainability.
Extensive Renovations
Improved Accessibility and Urban Integration
The project aims to better connect the Louvre with its surroundings, including plans to open up the museum to the Seine and the Île de la Cité. This integration will involve redeveloping nearby areas, such as Rue de l'Amiral-de-Coligny. Plans include making the museum’s vicinity more pedestrian-friendly, offering easier access to Île-de-la-Cité, one of the most historic districts in Paris. This transformation will connect seamlessly with Voilà Tours’ Île-de-la-Cité tour, which explores the rich history of Paris’ oldest heart.
International Architecture Competition
France will launch an international architecture competition in the coming months, with winners to be selected by the end of 2025. The chosen designs will guide the transformation of the museum's buildings.These changes are part of Macron's vision to reimagine the Louvre as "the epicenter of art history" for France and beyond5. The project not only addresses the museum's current challenges but also prepares it for future generations of art enthusiasts and cultural visitors.
Discover Paris Beyond the Louvre
Macron’s ambitious reforms highlight the importance of sustainable tourism in Paris. While the Louvre remains a must-visit, the city offers countless other historical and cultural sites. Voilà Tours provides expert-led experiences, from Notre-Dame and Montmartre’s Belle Époque charm to Place de la Concorde’s revolutionary past.
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