The new director of the Louvre, Christophe Leribot, has for the first time detailed the future of one of the world's most famous museums. In an interview with the French publication Le Monde, he spoke about the upcoming changes that will affect both the exhibition spaces and the museum's infrastructure.
One of the most discussed decisions has been the restoration of the Apollo Gallery, where a high-profile robbery occurred in the fall of 2025. The hall will reopen to visitors in July. Meanwhile, Louis XIV's mineral collection will be moved to the Richelieu wing, and the baroque hall is planned to be transformed into a space reminiscent of the famous Hall of Mirrors at Versailles.
Special attention is being given to the restoration of Empress Eugénie's crown, which was damaged during the robbery. According to Leribot, after restoration, it is expected to become one of the central symbols of the museum alongside the "Mona Lisa." The search for the stolen jewels continues, despite the detention of several suspects.
A key project for the coming years will be the Louvre Nouvelle Renaissance program, costing around one billion euros. This initiative was previously supported by French President Emmanuel Macron. The project involves a significant modernization of the museum, the creation of a separate space for the "Mona Lisa," and the construction of a new entrance from the Seine. Museum management emphasizes that these changes are necessary due to the constantly increasing flow of visitors and the growing burden on the historic building.
Experts believe that the new director's plans could represent the largest update to the Louvre in decades. However, the project is already causing controversy: some welcome the modernization of the museum, while others fear that excessive attention to tourist infrastructure could change the atmosphere of one of Europe's main cultural symbols.
In the editorial's opinion, the Louvre today faces a challenging task — to preserve its historical heritage while simultaneously meeting the demands of a modern world-class museum. Judging by the announced plans, the management is betting on a combination of tradition, technology, and spectacle to maintain the interest of millions of visitors in the coming decades.
