The Louvre's director has raised urgent concerns about the museum's deteriorating infrastructure, labeling the situation a "dire" preservation crisis. Aging buildings, water damage, and climate-related threats jeopardize priceless artworks and visitor experiences. A call for global funding highlights the need for immediate action to safeguard this cultural landmark. The consequences of inaction could be irreversible, leaving the future of one of the world's most iconic institutions uncertain.
The Louvre, one of the world's most visited museums, faces a mounting preservation crisis as its historic infrastructure struggles to cope with overwhelming visitor numbers and environmental threats.
The museum, which welcomed 8.7 million visitors in 2024—double its intended capacity—is in "very poor condition," with areas no longer watertight and others experiencing damaging temperature fluctuations. These issues endanger both the artworks and the visitor experience, which has been described as a "physical ordeal." Signage within the museum requires a complete redesign to improve navigation and alleviate visitor frustration.
Overcrowding has led to long queues, insufficient rest areas, and damage to museum spaces, prompting the Louvre to cap daily visitors at 30,000 and extend opening hours. Funding strategies are urgently needed to address these challenges, particularly to redesign outdated facilities, improve signage, and enhance food and restroom options to meet international standards.
The Mona Lisa, the museum's most iconic attraction, exemplifies the strains of overcrowding. Despite being displayed in the Louvre's largest room, it remains overwhelmed by crowds, highlighting the need to reassess how key artworks are presented.
The museum is also grappling with climate-related risks, as its location in a flood zone makes it vulnerable to rising Seine River levels. In 2016, heavy rainfall prompted an emergency operation to safeguard cultural treasures, underscoring the urgency of flood prevention measures.
To mitigate these risks, the Louvre has relocated over 100,000 artifacts to a new conservation center in Liévin, equipped with advanced flood protection technology. The facility, built on well-draining subsoil, ensures effective rainwater management and includes specialized storage areas for various object types.
The conservation center also serves as a hub for preservation and research, featuring specialized storage, workshops, and a rooftop garden. However, the relocation, while critical, is only one facet of a broader preservation strategy.
The Louvre's flood risk prevention plan, established in 2002, remains insufficient for evacuating all vulnerable holdings in time. As the museum seeks global funding, its focus remains on safeguarding its collection while enhancing the visitor experience, balancing accessibility with the pressing need for preservation.
