The French government has selected STUDIOS Architecture to lead a major renovation of the Louvre Museum in Paris, including new galleries and a second entrance. The project, called the 'New Louvre Renaissance,' was announced by President Emmanuel Macron in early 2025 but stalled after a jewel heist and staff strikes led to the resignation of former Louvre president Laurence des Cars, who was succeeded by Christophe Leribault. The $778 million plan aims to ease overcrowding at the museum, which hosts 9 million visitors annually, and includes a dedicated 33,000-square-foot gallery for the Mona Lisa.
This renovation matters because it addresses critical infrastructure and security failures exposed by the theft of over $100 million in crown jewels and a government report criticizing the Louvre for prioritizing prestige over safety. The project also reflects ongoing tensions between modernization and preservation, as staff unions have protested the focus on new spaces over long-overdue technical upgrades. The selection of STUDIOS Architecture, known for its work on the Frick Collection and the National Gallery's Sainsbury Wing, signals a commitment to high-profile cultural design while navigating the museum's internal and political challenges.