For more than two centuries, the world-famous Mona Lisa has remained within the walls of the Louvre, leaving the museum only four times. Now, it has been revealed that the reclusive La Gioconda is set to embark on yet another journey—though this time, within the museum itself.
As French President Emmanuel Macron announced Tuesday, Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece will be relocated by 2031 to a dedicated gallery within the newly designed exhibition spaces. The move is part of the extensive Louvre renovation program unveiled by the French leader.
During a press conference held in the museum against the backdrop of the Mona Lisa on January 28, 2025, Macron described the project as a ‘rebirth,’ uniting the Louvre’s 230-year legacy with today’s demands for accessibility, sustainability, and community engagement.
Nouvelle Renaissance: A Bold Overhaul of the Louvre
As leading global media outlets highlight, President Macron’s announcement marked the launch of Nouvelle Renaissance, an ambitious six-year modernization initiative aimed at reshaping the Louvre for the future. This sweeping renovation plan is designed to address longstanding structural and logistical challenges, making the museum more accessible and enhancing the visitor experience.
Among the primary objectives of the program are:
- The construction of a new entrance through the Perrault Colonnade to alleviate congestion at the iconic glass pyramid. The colonnade was built in the 17th century, whereas the pyramid was added in 1989.
- The modernization of museum infrastructure, including temperature control and leak prevention measures.
- An increase in visitor capacity, aiming to accommodate up to 12 million guests annually.
The French government and museum leadership have emphasized that these upgrades are essential to preserving the Louvre’s global standing as the most visited museum in the world.
Entrance to the Louvre. Photo by Michal Bednarek (Vecteezy).
What Prompted the Decision?
Anyone who has ever had the chance to see da Vinci’s masterpiece up close will likely never forget the crowd they had to push through to get there. So it comes as no surprise that the decision to relocate the Mona Lisa stems from growing concerns over overcrowding and visitor dissatisfaction. In a letter to the French Ministry of Culture, which made headlines in January this year, Louvre Director Laurence des Cars highlighted the museum’s overwhelming foot traffic, particularly around the Mona Lisa, which alone draws millions of visitors each year.
In 2024, the Louvre welcomed 8.7 million visitors, many of whom experienced long waits and overcrowded conditions while attempting to view the famous painting. With an increasing number of tourists expected in the coming years, museum officials concluded that a more sustainable viewing solution was necessary.
An International Design Competition
To bring the Nouvelle Renaissance to life, the Louvre will launch an international architectural competition in the coming months. This contest will invite top designers and cultural planners to submit proposals for the new entrance, the Mona Lisa’s standalone gallery, and other major improvements. The winning design is expected to be announced by the end of 2025, with construction commencing soon after.
The Cost of Transformation
Macron did not disclose the exact amount allocated for the Louvre’s modernization project. However, an unnamed French top official estimated the cost of the renovation at €700-800 million ($730-834 million) over the next ten years, with half of that budget going toward the creation of the new entrance. According to the French president, the project will be fully funded by “the museum’s own resources, ticket sales, sponsorships, and the Louvre Abu Dhabi licensing agreement, without burdening taxpayers.”
The Mona Lisa at the Louvre is constantly surrounded by visitors. Photo by Bo Zhang (Unsplash).
What Will Change for the Mona Lisa?
Under the new plan, the Mona Lisa will be housed in a separate, exclusive gallery, offering visitors a more intimate viewing experience. Access to this special exhibition space will require a dedicated ticket, separate from general museum admission. Macron stated that ticket prices would be raised for foreign visitors from outside the European Union, increasing from €22 ($23) at present.
It is also likely that these changes will enhance security measures and prevent future attacks on the Louvre’s most famous masterpiece. The most recent such incident occurred in early 2024 when two climate activists threw soup at the painting, though the bulletproof glass shield prevented any damage.
Historical Departures of the Mona LisaDespite her long residence in the Louvre, the Mona Lisa has ventured beyond the museum’s walls four times:
- 1800-1804 – Napoleon temporarily took the painting for his private quarters in the Tuileries Palace.
- 1911-1913 – The painting was stolen by Vincenzo Peruggia and recovered in Florence two years later.
- 1939-1945 – Evacuated during World War II, it was hidden in various locations to protect it from Nazi looting.
- 1963-1974 – Displayed abroad in the U.S. (Washington, D.C. and New York), Tokyo, and Moscow.
What’s Next?
The final plans for the Louvre’s renovation, including the Mona Lisa’s relocation details, are expected to be announced in the next two years. With a project of this magnitude, there are still many unknowns, but one thing is certain: by 2031, visitors will experience da Vinci’s enigmatic masterpiece in an entirely new setting—one that promises both enhanced preservation and a transformed viewing experience.
