Louvre Expansion Plans for 250th Anniversary

Paris, France

The Louvre Museum in Paris has unveiled plans for a major expansion worth $316 million, aiming to create a new visitor center and improve overall capacity, as it prepares to mark its 250th anniversary in 2027.

Louvre Museum's illuminated glass pyramid at night in Paris — The Louvre’s iconic glass pyramid lit up at night — a symbolic entrance to one of the world’s most visited cultural landmarks.

Global Call for Leading Design Firms

As a first step, the museum has launched an open call for Expressions of Interest from architectural studios around the world. The goal is to attract forward-thinking proposals that can help the Louvre accommodate its growing number of visitors.
In 2023 alone, the museum welcomed 8.9 million guests, placing significant pressure on its current infrastructure.

Louvre Museum courtyard and glass pyramid entrance during daytime — A wide view of the Louvre courtyard and its glass pyramid, where modern design meets historic Parisian architecture.

Design teams are expected to be selected in 2025, following the review of initial proposals now being submitted.

Redesigning the Entrance and Expanding Visitor Flow

A central part of the project involves reimagining the museum’s main entrance, which features the iconic glass pyramid designed by I. M. Pei.
The redesign will focus on improving visitor flow and expanding operational space by 50%, while preserving the site’s architectural and historical identity.

Interior gallery hallway at the Louvre showcasing classic artworks — A corridor inside the Louvre Museum displaying iconic classical paintings, reflecting the elegance of its vast art collection.

This will be the largest expansion since the pyramid project, which opened in 1989, marking a new chapter in the museum’s evolution.

French President Emmanuel Macron speaks in front of the Mona Lisa at the Louvre Museum — President Emmanuel Macron delivering a speech in front of the Mona Lisa, during a cultural event at the Louvre Museum.

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