Louvre Staff at the Musée du Louvre in Paris went on strike this week, demanding that plans for the €700 million "New Renaissance" renovation, adding a second entrance and dedicated space for the Mona Lisa, be scrapped in favour of essential maintenance. The strike closed the museum Monday morning, partially reopening in the afternoon.
© Kirill Neiezhmakov | Dreamstime
Union groups organised the walkout, following December strikes. French President Macron announced the project last year, marking the largest update since IM Pei's 1989 redesign, which added the iconic glass pyramid. A shortlist of architecture teams includes AL_A, Sou Fujimoto Architects, Diller Scofidio + Renfro, Selldorf Architects, and SANAA.
Security concerns, highlighted by a €88 million jewel heist last October, and an audit showing prioritisation of visible projects over maintenance, fuel staff opposition. Analysts warn that ongoing neglect could jeopardise collections and operations if the renovation proceeds without addressing structural and security issues.
Source: www.dezeen.com
