The Louvre’s President, Laurence Des Cars, has announced plans for a separate ticket to view the Mona Lisa. This initiative is part of a major renovation project set to be completed by 2031.
The Louvre's President, Laurence Des Cars, has proposed introducing a dedicated ticket for viewing the Mona Lisa, separate from the museum's general admission. She made the announcement on Sunday during an interview on France Inter radio.
"The idea is to have a Louvre ticket that covers access to the permanent collections and exhibitions (…) and, if you want to see the Mona Lisa, it will require this ticket plus an additional one for the painting," explained Des Cars.
This proposal comes on the heels of concerns she raised with Culture Minister Rachida Dati regarding the museum's current condition. In response, President Emmanuel Macron announced plans at the end of January for a significant renovation of the Louvre.
According to Macron, the renovation will be completed by 2031 and will include the creation of a dedicated space and separate entrance for the Mona Lisa.
Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic masterpiece will be "accessible independently of the rest of the museum and will therefore require its own admission ticket," Macron stated.
During her interview on Sunday, Des Cars elaborated that the Mona Lisa would likely be housed "under the Cour Carrée," in "a specially designed space where visitors can finally admire this painting in a calm and serene environment."
"This proposal fully embraces the exceptional status of the Mona Lisa," she emphasized, calling the painting "a true blessing for the Louvre."
With AFP
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