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The Louvre Museum in Paris could eventually be forced to close to the public unless it undergoes a major renovation, its president, Christophe Leribault, warned Wednesday, calling for government support for a €1 billion ($1.1 billion) transformation.
Speaking to French newspaper Le Figaro, Leribault said the world's most visited museum was in very poor condition and struggling with overcrowding, raising concerns about its ability to continue operating without substantial improvements.
He urged the government that takes office after France's next presidential election, regardless of its political leadership, to back the renovation plans. Without action, he warned, the museum could lose its standing and ultimately have to "close its doors to the public," a prospect he described as "a disaster."
Leribault, who took over as museum president in February, is pushing ahead with the "Louvre New Renaissance" project, an ambitious renovation program intended to address the historic building's deteriorating infrastructure, strengthen security and improve visitor access.
The warning comes nearly a year after a major security breach on Oct. 19, 2025, when thieves stole eight crown jewels from the museum, exposing weaknesses in its security arrangements.
According to Leribault, upgrading the Louvre's physical infrastructure is essential to improving its security, making the planned renovation a broader effort to address problems affecting the museum's operations.
The project, estimated to cost €1 billion, includes extensive building renovations and the construction of a new entrance. Work could take between 12 and 15 years to complete.
Financing remains a central challenge for the project, which has faced opposition from labor unions.
Leribault hopes to secure €360 million in contributions from donors in France and abroad, although no formal commitments have been signed.
He told Le Figaro that international donors had expressed willingness to support the project, despite the absence of finalized agreements.
The museum president also left open the possibility of another admission price increase, provided any adjustment remained "very reasonable."
Ticket prices for visitors from outside Europe have already risen from €22 to €32 this year, adding to the debate over how the Louvre will finance its long-term transformation.
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