Louvre introduces special fee to view the Mona Lisa
The director of the Louvre, Laurence Des Cars, announced the introduction of additional fees for viewing the Mona Lisa. These changes aim to enhance the museum's condition and create a new space for the masterpiece.
Laurence Des Cars, the director of the Louvre Museum, disclosed the introduction of extra fees for the privilege of viewing the famous Mona Lisa. She conveyed this information during an interview on France Inter radio.
The Louvre, the most visited museum in the world, plans to introduce a separate ticket specifically for access to this masterpiece by Leonardo da Vinci.
New visiting rules at the Louvre
Des Cars explained that the new ticketing system will include a ticket for both permanent and temporary exhibitions, with an additional ticket required to view the Mona Lisa.
Des Cars explained that the plan involves implementing a ticket that grants access to both permanent and temporary exhibitions. Visiting the Mona Lisa would require a separate ticket and special entry.
These changes are part of a larger renovation plan to improve the museum's condition. At the end of January, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that the Louvre's renovation would continue until 2031. Plans include creating a new entrance on the eastern facade of the former royal palace and developing a new space for the Mona Lisa.
Costs and financing
The renovation, which involves creating a new entrance and room for the Mona Lisa, is estimated to cost half the planned 800 million euros, or 400 million euros (approximately 424 million USD). These funds are expected to come from the Louvre's resources, including the use of the brand by the art museum in Abu Dhabi, known as the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Additionally, the museum plans to attract donors, especially from the United States.
The Louvre director also contacted the Minister of Culture, Rachida Dati, for support regarding the museum's challenging financial situation. The new space for the Mona Lisa is intended to be accessible independently of the other parts of the Louvre, with a separate ticket, aimed at attracting more visitors and increasing the museum's revenue.
