Paris's Louvre Museum reviewed gallery procedures after two visitors placed their own small paintings on a wall in the Salle des États, home to Mona Lisa.
The works, attached with adhesive tape, were removed by the museum's security team. The painting by Leonardo da Vinci was not affected, and the incident did not cause damage to the celebrated artwork.
The episode highlights the distinctive balance major museums maintain between welcoming creative expression and protecting collections that carry exceptional cultural value. The Salle des États remains one of the Louvre's most visited spaces, drawing audiences from around the world throughout the year.
A new chapter for the Louvre experience
The museum is also preparing its ambitious New Louvre Renaissance transformation. The programme is designed to improve visitor circulation, modernise infrastructure and create a dedicated exhibition area for the Mona Lisa, including a separate entrance.
With an investment expected to exceed €1 billion, the project will introduce a new 33,000-square-foot presentation space for the iconic portrait while helping distribute visitor flows more effectively across the museum.
As cultural institutions evolve, the Louvre's next phase could offer a model for combining heritage protection, thoughtful architecture and more accessible art experiences for global audiences.
