According to Leribo, the museum’s utility networks, life support systems, and a significant portion of its infrastructure have practically reached the end of their useful life, Le Figaro reports. “Despite the grandeur of the Louvre and the dedicated work of its staff, its buildings and technical equipment are nearing the end of their service life,” noted the museum’s director.
To address these accumulated problems, the museum’s management has launched a modernization program called “The Louvre: New Renaissance.” The project involves a major renovation of the premises and the upgrading of security, electrical, ventilation, and climate-control systems. The cost of the work is estimated at more than 1 billion euros.
The aftermath of the high-profile theft of the royal jewels in the fall of 2025 placed additional pressure on the museum. Management acknowledges that the incident exposed weaknesses in the security system and continues to affect the institution’s operations.
Authorities are already preparing measures to strengthen security at the museum complex. In the coming months, plans include the creation of a new security checkpoint and the installation of additional video surveillance systems.
Funding remains a serious problem. According to museum management, the share of government funding has declined in recent years, while the need for investment continues to grow. Despite having one of the highest levels of self-financing among French cultural institutions, the Louvre does not have sufficient resources to carry out such a large-scale renovation program.
The situation is complicated by an overall reduction in budgetary spending on the maintenance of cultural heritage sites in France. The Senate has already voiced criticism of the government over the lack of funds to modernize security systems at the country’s largest national museums.
For France, the question of the Louvre’s future extends far beyond the realm of culture. The museum welcomes approximately 9 million visitors annually and remains one of the country’s key symbols, influencing its appeal to tourists and its international image. Now, the museum’s leadership faces the challenge of finding funding sources that will allow it to maintain this status without compromising the security and preservation of its collections.
