The iconic Louvre Museum in Paris is embarking on a significant renovation project, which includes the creation of a dedicated gallery for its most famous masterpiece, Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa. This new gallery, part of an extensive €800 million renovation plan, will require visitors to pay an additional fee to view the painting, a decision announced by museum director Laurence des Cars.

The comprehensive renovation, expected to be completed by 2031, aims to alleviate severe overcrowding and enhance the overall visitor experience. The Louvre, which welcomed 8.7 million visitors last year, has struggled with congestion, particularly around the Mona Lisa, leading to long waiting times and a less-than-ideal viewing environment. The new 3,000 square metre space is designed to facilitate a better contemplation of the artwork and provide additional displays explaining its history, as stated by Des Cars.

While the exact price for the separate Mona Lisa ticket has not yet been disclosed, general admission fees are also set to increase. Non-European Union citizens will be charged €30 for standard museum entry, while EU visitors will pay €22. It remains uncertain whether the Mona Lisa supplement will adhere to a similar differential pricing structure.

The necessity for these changes has been highlighted by ongoing issues, including a staff strike that occurred without notice, with employees citing overwhelming tourist numbers as a primary concern. The major overhaul, previously announced by President Emmanuel Macron, has now received approval from France’s National Commission of Heritage and Architecture, paving the way for architectural submissions, with the design competition for the “Nouveau Louvre” opening on June 27.

The Louvre anticipates raising €20 million from the increased charges applied to non-EU visitors. These funds are earmarked to support the extensive renovation works, further underscoring the museum's commitment to improving infrastructure and the quality of its visitor services.