Christophe Leribault, president-director of the Louvre, told the French Senate that the museum has reached a critical turning point and needs swift modernization. He said the institution's facilities, infrastructure, and visitor experience are all under growing strain.
Speaking to the Committee on Culture, Education, Communication and Sport, Leribault described the museum as operating under intense pressure, with aging systems and major investment needs becoming increasingly urgent. He stressed that the Louvre's historic prestige must now be matched by a stronger operational framework.
The museum has been working to reinforce security and upgrade key areas after a major jewel theft in 2025 drew global attention to its vulnerabilities. Leribault said new surveillance measures are being introduced, with a broader perimeter system planned for January 2027 and additional cameras already installed in sensitive zones.
At the same time, the Louvre is moving ahead with its Nouvelle Renaissance renovation program, estimated at more than €1 billion. The project includes a new entrance, a dedicated exhibition space for the Mona Lisa, and improvements to security and visitor flow. In May, the museum named Selldorf Architects and Studios Architecture Paris to lead the redesign.
Leribault said the museum must raise €360 million in the coming months, while also expecting €300 million from its Louvre Abu Dhabi licensing arrangement. He added that the current entrance, originally designed for far fewer visitors, no longer matches the museum's annual traffic of more than 9 million people.
For Leribault, the goal is clear: preserve the Louvre's legacy while reshaping it for a new era of cultural access, safety, and scale. The museum's transformation could help define how major heritage institutions adapt to the demands of the future.