The new president of the Louvre, Christophe Leribault, who arrived in the wake of the spectacular theft that occurred in October in this museum, confirmed the vast renovation plan for the establishment.
Publi-Information 
Shaken by the spectacular burglary last October and weakened by criticism of the state of its infrastructure, the Louvre yet refuses to slow down its transformation. Barely installed at the head of the largest museum in the world, Christophe Leribault confirms the continuation of “Louvre New Renaissance” projecta colossal program intended to:
– modernize the palace ;
– Streamline the reception of visitors;
– And, finally, rethink the Mona Lisa exhibition.
A monumental project, as strategic as it is controversial, whose cost now exceeds one billion euros.
A project deemed “indispensable”
For Christophe Leribaultthere is no longer any alternative: the Louvre must reinvent itself in depth. In an interview with the newspaper The WorldTHE new president of the museum firmly defends the vast renovation plan initiated before the burglary of October 19, 2025.
According to him, the current organization of the museum has reached its limits. The massive influx of visitors – nearly 9 million each year – makes the situation around the Pyramid untenable, which has become a permanent saturation point. The project therefore provides for a major overhaul of the infrastructure, including the renovation of historic buildings, technical installations and roofs located in the perimeter of the Cour Carrée.
“The cost is incompressible,” added the man who succeeded Laurence Des Cars on February 25, here in the photo, challenged by a series of reports pointing to the obsolescence of security devices in the largest museum in the world. © Alexandra Lebon
Another central axis of the project: the creation of a space dedicated to the Mona Lisa in order to better manage flows around Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, which has become a global tourist phenomenon in its own right. © Martin Bureau / AFP
In order to complete the financing, Christophe Leribault also indicates he is looking for 330 million euros additional funds from patrons.
Security beefed up after Crown Jewels burglary
THE October burglary deeply shook the institution. THE theft of the Crown Jewels of France from the Apollo Gallery highlighted the flaws in a security system already criticized in several recent reports. The new president nevertheless assures that immediate measures have been taken: the access gates to the estate have been restored and a mobile police station was installed near the Pyramid in order to strengthen site surveillance.
There Apollon gallery, theater of flight, must reopen to the public during the month of July, but in a completely redesigned configuration: the large central window will disappear to regain the original spirit of the 17th century, that of an open and spectacular ceremonial gallery. The precious objects that were presented there will now be moved to the Richelieu wing. As for the unstolen jewels – including the crown of Empress Eugénie, found damaged – they will remain protected in a secure space while awaiting a new suitable installation.
This transformation of the museum is also accompanied by a strategic change on the financial level. Following a recommendation from the Court of Auditors, the portion of ticketing revenue devoted to the acquisition of works will be reduced. Until now set at 20%, it will now increase to 12%, a sign that priority is now given to modernization and securing the site rather than enriching the collections.
YouTube video / Louvre Museum
