The Louvre Museum is contemplating relocating Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa to an underground chamber. This initiative aims to address the widespread visitor dissatisfaction stemming from the limited viewing time and crowded conditions associated with the iconic painting.
The Mona Lisa, protected by bullet-proof, anti-reflective glass within a climate-controlled environment, often leaves tourists feeling underwhelmed, as it appears remarkably small and distant within its current setup. An analysis of 18,000 reviews even branded it “the world’s most disappointing masterpiece.”
In response, Laurence des Cars, the director of the Louvre, proposed the idea of moving the painting to a specially constructed room in the museum’s basement. "The current presentation setup is inadequate for welcoming visitors, which makes us feel like we are failing in our duties," des Cars expressed to museum staff.
Mona Lisa, Louvre Museum, Credit: Bramfab via Wikipedia
Echoing this sentiment, Vincent Delieuvin, the Louvre’s chief curator of 16th-century Italian painting, highlighted the consensus among museum officials regarding the move. He remarked on the need for an improved presentation, noting the Mona Lisa's diminished appearance behind its security measures.
The Louvre, which attracts nine million visitors annually, recognizes the Mona Lisa as its main attraction, with 80% of the museum's visitors coming specifically to see it. Efforts to enhance the viewing experience have included repainting gallery walls and reorganizing the queuing system, yet the painting's overwhelming popularity demands more significant changes.
Plans for a new underground chamber are part of the "Grand Louvre" renovation project, which includes a new museum entrance that bypasses the glass pyramid, leading directly to underground exhibition spaces. This renovation effort, estimated at €500 million, is being considered despite recent economic challenges that have led to budget cuts across France.
Jean Dubreil
