A dramatic appeal by the director of the Louvre: Despite its luxury, the museum is falling apart

The Louvre Museum, one of the most iconic cultural institutions in the world, has recently found itself at a critical juncture as its new director, Christophe Leribault, has raised urgent concerns about the museum's deteriorating infrastructure and the need for immediate restoration efforts. In a recent address to a French Senate committee, Leribault highlighted the growing challenges facing the institution, which despite its global fame and millions of annual visitors, is grappling with aging systems and structural issues that threaten its long-term viability.

Leribault, who took over leadership of the Louvre in February, emphasized that while the museum continues to attract nearly nine million visitors each year, its internal operations have been increasingly strained. He pointed out that the museum’s equipment and infrastructure are reaching the end of their useful lives, with many systems dating back to the major renovations of the 1980s now showing signs of severe wear and tear. This includes mechanical installations that have become outdated and require significant upgrades to maintain safety and functionality within the historic palace that houses the museum.

The urgency of these repairs was underscored by a series of incidents that have shaken public confidence in the Louvre’s security and management. Most notably, a high-profile theft of royal jewels valued at 88 million euros occurred in November 2025, revealing serious lapses in the museum’s security protocols. This incident, coupled with other operational challenges such as employee strikes, ticket fraud that reportedly cost the museum ten million euros, and ongoing maintenance problems, has placed additional pressure on the already strained resources of the institution.

The physical structure of the Louvre itself presents another set of concerns. The historic buildings that make up the museum complex, including the Cour Carrée—the central courtyard—and areas in the Sully wing adjacent to the River Seine—require extensive renovation work. Leribault mentioned that due to the collapse of beams on the second floor, two departments had to evacuate their offices in November, and the Campana Gallery was also closed temporarily as a precautionary measure. Current staff are working to protect thousands of ancient Greek vases housed in vulnerable spaces within the museum.

Despite these pressing issues, there are plans in motion for a comprehensive revitalization project known as “Louvre – New Renaissance.” This ambitious initiative aims to create a new space dedicated to the Mona Lisa, the museum’s most visited exhibit, along with a new entrance to the museum. While the exact cost of this project remains uncertain, estimates range between 700 to 800 million euros, with some suggesting the figure could reach as high as 1.15 billion euros. Given the Louvre’s status as one of the world’s most renowned museums, such investments appear necessary to ensure its continued operation and relevance in the years ahead.

The challenges faced by the Louvre reflect broader issues confronting cultural institutions worldwide, where balancing historical preservation with modern demands becomes increasingly difficult. As Leribault and his team navigate these complexities, the outcome will depend largely on securing the necessary funding and support from both governmental and private sectors to implement the required changes without compromising the integrity of the museum’s legacy.