L'effarante médiocrité du projet retenu pour la « Grande Colonnade » du Louvre
The French Ministry of Culture has announced the winning team for the 'Grande Colonnade' project at the Louvre, selecting STUDIOS Architecture Paris and Selldorf Architects. The ministry's press release, described as self-congratulatory and written in trendy bureaucratic language, celebrates the choice as a major advancement. However, the article criticizes the lack of transparency, noting that only three exterior visuals have been released, and argues that the project is unfunded and threatens necessary renovations at the museum, as previously highlighted by the Cour des Comptes and parliamentary representatives.
This matters because the 'Grande Colonnade' project touches one of Paris's most iconic monuments, and the article contends that the selection process and design demonstrate disregard for both financial oversight and the architectural integrity of the Louvre. The author suggests that the problems the project aims to solve—such as the Mona Lisa's display, exhibition spaces, and additional entrances—could be addressed more economically and less intrusively. The controversy underscores tensions between ambitious cultural projects, public funding, and preservation of heritage landmarks.