The renowned UK-based architectural practice Amanda Levete Architects (AL_A) has been selected as one of five international teams shortlisted for a major €136 million renovation project at the iconic Louvre Museum in Paris. The ambitious project aims to completely overhaul sections of the world's most visited museum and create a new entrance system to better accommodate the millions of visitors who flock to see masterpieces like the Mona Lisa each year.
The competition represents one of the most significant architectural undertakings at the Louvre since I.M. Pei's famous glass pyramid was completed in 1989. The selected teams will compete to design improvements that address the museum's ongoing challenges with crowd management, visitor flow, and accessibility while preserving the historic integrity of the former royal palace that houses the world's largest art collection.
Amanda Levete Architects, led by the acclaimed British architect Amanda Levete, brings considerable experience in museum and cultural projects to the competition. The firm has previously worked on high-profile cultural institutions and is known for its innovative approach to blending contemporary design with historic structures. Levete, who was formerly a partner at Future Systems, has built a reputation for creating architecturally striking yet functionally sophisticated spaces.
The €136 million budget reflects the scale and complexity of the proposed improvements to the Louvre, which welcomed over 8.9 million visitors in 2023 alone. The museum has been grappling with overcrowding issues, particularly in areas housing its most famous artworks, and the new entrance design is expected to help distribute visitor traffic more effectively throughout the sprawling complex.
While the names of the other four competing architectural teams have not been disclosed, the selection process is expected to be highly competitive given the prestige associated with working on one of the world's most famous museums. The winning design will need to demonstrate sensitivity to the Louvre's historic architecture while providing modern solutions to contemporary challenges facing major cultural institutions.
The project timeline and final selection announcement have not yet been revealed by the Louvre's administration. However, given the project's scope and the extensive planning required for such a significant renovation, implementation is expected to span several years and will likely require careful coordination to minimize disruption to the museum's daily operations and the millions of visitors who travel to Paris specifically to experience its collections.
