In the coming years, if the serious structural and safety problems affecting it are not addressed, the most visited museum in the world risks closing its doors.
The alarm is raised Christophe Leribaultdirector of the Louvre since February 2026, who in an interview with Le Figaro denounced the deterioration of the buildings, the now obsolete systems and the difficulties in managing almost nine million visitors a year.
The sensational theft of 19 October 2025, during which precious jewels of the French Crown were stolen, made the fragility of the museum even more evident, accelerating the safety measures.
After the unpleasant episode, in fact, new cameras were installed, anti-breakthrough barriers were introduced and the protection systems were strengthened. But the problems go far beyond safety: water infiltrations, heating failures, deteriorated escalators and air conditioning systems that need to be replaced have already made urgent works and the temporary relocation of some offices and collections necessary.
The solution should come from the project Louvre – Nouvelle Renaissancepresented in January 2025 by Emmanuel Macron. The plan, with an estimated cost of around one billion euros, includes a new entrance, additional exhibition spaces and a profound modernization of the entire complex.
According to Leribault, the first major interventions could be completed within five or six years, while the overall renovation will take 12 to 15 years. During the construction works the museum should however remain open, with temporary closures of the affected areas.
The director’s alarm
However, the issue of financing remains. The Louvre will have to raise 360 million euros from patrons and private financiers. Leribault has already met potential supporters in Japan, Hong Kong, the United States and the United Arab Emirates, but at the moment there are no formalized commitments.
Concern also concerns the political future of the project, in view of the 2027 French presidential elections. Leribault’s warning is clear: if the Louvre is not repaired, adapted and transformed, it will quickly lose its position and, sooner or later, will be forced to close to the public.
A prospect that the president defines as disastrous, reiterating that the protection of the Louvre is a national issue that should go beyond political divisions.
