The Louvre Nouvelle Renaissance marks the beginning of a transformative chapter for the world’s most visited museum. Announced by President Emmanuel Macron in early 2025, the ambitious museum renovation aims to modernize the Louvre’s infrastructure, enhance visitor experience, and reconnect the historic palace with the heart of Paris. The shortlisted teams unveiled by France’s Ministry of Culture bring together some of the most respected names in global architecture, from Diller Scofidio + Renfro to Sou Fujimoto and SANAA.
Diller Scofidio + Renfro among the five finalists
Following an international call that attracted more than a hundred submissions, a twenty-one-member jury selected five multidisciplinary teams to advance to the next phase of the Louvre Nouvelle Renaissance competition. Among them is the collaboration between Architecturestudio and Diller Scofidio + Renfro, joined by Atelier Brückner, LAMA YA, and landscape firm TER. The New York–based studio, known for redefining cultural landmarks such as MoMA and The Broad, brings its expertise in merging heritage and innovation to the Parisian institution. Don’t miss our conversation with Elizabeth Diller, where we explore the balance between past and future.
Other finalists include:
- Amanda Levete Architects (AL_A) with NC Nathalie Crinière, Carole Bénaiteau, VDLA, and Atelier SOIL
- Dubuisson Architecture with SANAA and Dan Pearson Studio
- Sou Fujimoto Ateliers Paris with Ducks Scéno and Vogt Paysage
- STUDIOS Architecture with Selldorf Architects, Scénarchie, and BASE
A new era for the Louvre: ambition and renewal
Launched under the theme of Renaissance, the museum renovation envisions both architectural and conceptual renewal. The project addresses the overwhelming flow of nearly nine million annual visitors and aims to make the museum more accessible, sustainable, and inclusive.
The Grande Colonnade phase focuses on restoring the Louvre’s eastern entrance, originally designed under Louis XIV, and introducing new underground access points beneath the Cour Carrée. This redesign will ease congestion at I.M. Pei’s Pyramid and create a more seamless visitor experience. Beneath the palace gardens, new exhibition spaces will include a dedicated gallery for Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, offering a more intimate and contemplative viewing environment.
Reimagining the museum for the 21st century
Beyond architectural interventions, the Louvre Nouvelle Renaissance includes the long-term masterplan Louvre Demain, which will modernize the museum’s infrastructure, sustainability systems, and visitor services. The project, overseen by François Chatillon, Chief Architect of Historical Monuments, will ensure that every transformation respects the site’s cultural and historical integrity.
This initiative continues the legacy of I.M. Pei’s Grand Louvre project of the 1980s, which introduced the glass pyramid and redefined the museum’s global identity. Now, the new generation of architects is set to reimagine the Louvre once again—honoring its heritage while opening it toward the future.
The winning design team for the Louvre Nouvelle Renaissance is expected to be announced in early 2026, with the museum’s transformation scheduled to unfold over the coming decade.
