Employees at the Louvre Museum in Paris recently initiated a significant protest, amplifying their disapproval of an extensive renovation initiative. This ambitious plan proposes a dedicated exhibition space for Leonardo da Vinci's iconic Mona Lisa and the establishment of a new entry point designed to alleviate congestion at the museum's primary access areas. The collective action underscores deep-seated concerns among the staff regarding the project's scope and priorities.
Louvre Staff Stage Walkout Amidst Redevelopment Controversy
On a recent Monday, the esteemed Louvre Museum experienced a partial closure as its staff embarked on a walkout, an action that led to a limited reopening showcasing renowned masterpieces like the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace, while other exhibition halls remained inaccessible. This protest, supported by three prominent unions, saw a unanimous vote from 350 staff members, including curators, underscoring the widespread dissent. This industrial action is a direct response to the Louvre–Nouvelle Renaissance project, inaugurated by President Emmanuel Macron in January 2025. This ambitious overhaul, as reported by Le Monde, envisions relocating the Mona Lisa to a specially constructed gallery within the Sully wing, complete with an adjoining gift shop and a new entrance positioned on the museum's eastern facade at the base of the Perrault colonnade. A notable point of contention highlighted by Le Monde is that none of the five international architectural teams shortlisted for the project are French. Union representatives at the Louvre are vehemently urging director Laurence des Cars to abandon what they deem an \\"unrealistic\\" $778 million undertaking. They advocate for a refocusing of resources towards long-overdue technical repairs and general upkeep. The Art Newspaper revealed that des Cars's 2026 budget allocates $116 million for preliminary studies related to the overhaul, with only a modest $17.5 million designated for technical maintenance and an even smaller $2.1 million for the safety of the museum's precious artworks. This latest protest follows a three-day walkout prior to Christmas and comes in the wake of an October crown jewels heist, an incident that has intensified scrutiny over museum security protocols and structural integrity. In response to the heist, the Louvre recently installed protective bars over the window used during the theft. A parliamentary inquiry into museum safety is anticipated to commence shortly, further intensifying the pressure on the Louvre's leadership.
The recent unrest at the Louvre serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between ambitious modernization projects and the fundamental need for preserving cultural heritage and ensuring staff well-being. It prompts a vital conversation about resource allocation in major cultural institutions and the importance of transparent dialogue with employees and the public when undertaking significant transformations.