France launches architectural competition to expand Louvre

France has launched an international architectural competition for the "Nouvelle Renaissance" project, a €700-800 million expansion of the Louvre Museum announced by President Macron in January 2025, which will create a new entrance on the eastern Perrault Colonnade facade, construct a dedicated underground gallery for the Mona Lisa beneath the Cour Carrée, and address structural issues while increasing visitor capacity from 8 million to 12-13 million annually, with the winner to be selected by early 2026 and implementation planned over six years.

Nouvelle Renaissance Project Overview

The "Nouvelle Renaissance" project, announced by French President Emmanuel Macron in January 2025, represents the most ambitious transformation of the Louvre since I.M. Pei's pyramid in 1989. This comprehensive renovation aims to address the museum's structural issues, including water leakage and temperature variations that endanger artworks, while expanding its capacity from 8 million to approximately 12-13 million annual visitors.American Friends of the Louvre+3

The €700-800 million ($834 million) initiative will unfold over a decade, with key components including new underground galleries beneath the Cour Carrée, restoration of the Grande Galerie, improved infrastructure, and enhanced visitor amenities such as additional restrooms and food options. Funding will come primarily from the museum's own resources, including revenue from its Abu Dhabi branch, private donations, and a planned surcharge for non-EU visitors starting in 2026. The project reflects the Louvre's continuous evolution throughout its nine-century history, ensuring it remains a cultural beacon for future generations.mhebtw.mheducation.com+3

Perrault Colonnade Entrance Design

The Perrault Colonnade, celebrated as the foremost masterpiece of French architectural classicism, will serve as the site for the Louvre's new eastern entrance. Constructed between 1667 and 1674, this 183-meter-long façade was designed by a committee known as the Petit Conseil, consisting of Louis Le Vau, Charles Le Brun, and Claude Perrault, with Perrault eventually becoming the principal designer. The colonnade features paired Corinthian columns arranged in a distinctive pattern where alternating columns are displaced toward their neighbors, creating a rhythmic visual effect that was revolutionary for its time.smarthistory.org+3

The façade represents a significant departure from French baroque architecture, embracing a cooler classicism influenced by the ancient Roman architect Vitruvius, whose works Perrault had translated into French. Its defining characteristics include:wikiwand.com+1

• A high podium supporting coupled columns that create dramatic shadows against recessed spaces
• A central pedimented entrance resembling a triumphal arch
• Terminal pavilions with engaged columns and pilasters
• An Italian-style flat roof with balustrade, unprecedented in French architecture at the time
• A restrained, symmetrical design that emphasizes horizontal lines and rational orderWikimedia Foundation, Inc.+1

Details of architectural competition

The architectural competition for the Louvre's expansion was launched on June 27, 2025, with a 21-person international jury set to select the winner by early 2026. The competition focuses on two major elements: creating a new entrance on the eastern facade near the Seine River that seamlessly integrates with the existing 17th-century classical design, and developing the underground Mona Lisa gallery beneath the Cour Carrée.Artnet+1

Unlike I.M. Pei's striking pyramid design from 1989, contestants are being asked to create an entrance that harmonizes with the historic structure while solving modern visitor flow challenges. The competition budget is €270 million for contemporary aspects, with additional funding required for heritage restoration elements. Five finalists will be selected on October 7, with the winning design expected to be implemented in phases over six years, targeting completion by 2031. This represents the Louvre's most significant architectural initiative since WHY Architecture and BGC won the competition to design the museum's Byzantine and Eastern Christian Art expansion, scheduled to open in 2027.Le Monde+2