Media: Louvre "dilapidated" and in need of serious repairs

The Paris Louvre Museum needs major repairs due to severe building deterioration, Report informs via Le Parisien newspaper.

The museum's director Laurence Des Cars sent a confidential memo to French Minister of Culture Rachida Dati with the corresponding request. In the memo, the Louvre's head warns about "increasing damage and the need for large-scale works."

Des Cars emphasizes the "alarming level of deterioration" of the building. According to her, the area in front of the museum and its disconnection from the city's transport network require "rethinking." Additionally, the Louvre suffers from temperature fluctuations and water infiltration, which damage not only the cultural site but also the works exhibited inside. Des Cars also complained that under the famous glass pyramid, it becomes too stuffy for visitors during summer days.

The Louvre also receives too many guests. It was designed to accommodate 4 million visitors annually, but this number has already increased to 8.7 million people. The publication also notes that Laurence Des Cars' request will likely be rejected amid the ongoing state budget crisis in France. The Louvre is one of the world's largest art museums. The building was constructed as a fortress on the right bank of the Seine in 1190 and has been functioning as a museum since 1793.