[President] Macron believes that expanding the museum will allow it to welcome up to 12 million art lovers each year—a number first announced as a target back in 2014, before the pandemic saw figures around the world drop.

The plan to give the Mona Lisa a dedicated gallery where guests can better appreciate the relatively diminutive painting has been in discussion with the nation’s Ministry of Culture for some time.

The expansion project will be largely funded by admission proceeds—last raised in 2024—and sponsorships. Last fall, French Culture Minister Rachida Dati suggested charging a €5 ($5.40) surcharge to museum visitors from countries outside the EU. Macron confirmed in January that he would introduce such a fee.