Louvre president Christophe Leribault is seeking private and public support for EUR1billion funding to renovate the museum, warning that without sufficient funding, it could face possible closure.
Speaking to French newspaper Le Figaro, Leribault said the museum needs repairs and urged the next government to support the project, regardless of who takes power next year.
The project, called “Louvre New Renaissance,” aims to revamp the historic museum, which could take up to 12 to 15 years to complete.
Infrastructure problem and overcrowding
Leribault said the project is being implemented as the famed museum faces issues in its infrastructure.
He warned that if it can’t secure any investment, the museum may soon be unable to welcome visitors, leading to its eventual closure.
Some of the problems mentioned include outdated plumbing, poor insulation in galleries, cramped visitor areas, and water infiltration.
Leribault said the museum is “in very poor condition” and “completely overcrowded.”
Security master plan also in focus
Following the controversial daylight robbery in 2025, the museum has also invested in tighter security across its facilities.
Since taking over as president of Louvre in February, Leribault has made security improvements his top priority.
According to him, work on the museum’s EUR83million security plan was “moving ahead rapidly.”
As part of the master plan, the museum has installed perimeter cameras, secured access points, and begun renovating its security control center.
Leribault also appointed a dedicated head of security.
Moreover, the museum also pledged to invest around EUR20million per year through 2032 to strengthen security.
“The Louvre needs a cultural shift regarding security – a process that has yet to happen and will take several years,” said Laurent Lafon, chair of the Senate’s culture committee.
“Louvre management needs to internalize the idea that security is a priority – something that had ceased to be the case,” he added.
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Renovations needed around Louvre
Just as the security master plan is important, so are renovations.
“We need a major Louvre plan. The operations essential to securing the museum require work on the historic building and its infrastructure,” Leribault said as he noted that the building faces serious infrastructure issues.
He said the renovation project aims to renovate the building, create an additional entrance, and construct a new gallery for the Mona Lisa.
Leribault stressed that the project would address all issues, and at the same time adapt the facilities to climate change and modern operational needs.
“Everything is interconnected, everything is linked: repairing the buildings while respecting their heritage value, adapting the museum to climate change and modern needs, and decluttering the visitor route to let the museum breathe,” he said, adding that the museum is working “to provide the best possible solution” despite the complexity of work needed to keep the museum afloat.
Public and private funding sought
To help fund the project, Leribault said the museum is already seeking private funding but stressed that public funding is still needed to make the project succeed.
He said that he is seeking EUR330million from private sources. However, no donor commitments had been signed at the time of the interview.
The museum has also expanded its fundraising efforts, including through its annual gala dinner during the Paris Fashion Week.
This year, the event raised EUR1.6million, which can be used as additional fund to help cover renovation costs.
It also launched a public fundraising appeal earlier this month to renovate the Cour du Sphinx in the Denon wing, which is home to the Mona Lisa and other galleries.
In 2025, French President Emmanuel Macron expressed support for the museum’s transformation, including the construction of a new entrance to improve the guests’ access to the museum.
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