On October 19, 2026, the Louvre will mark one year since a high-profile robbery in which four men used a truck equipped with a lift and disc cutters to break into the Apollo Gallery, stealing eight jewels from the French Crown, estimated at 88 million euros. The crown of Empress Eugénie was found damaged at the museum's entrance, while the rest of the stolen jewels remain missing. The suspects, primarily from Seine-Saint-Denis, were identified and placed in custody. They reportedly received between 15,000 and 25,000 euros each for the operation, and a video was provided for reconnaissance. The stolen items may have been transported to an underground parking lot in Aubervilliers, where a man handling what appears to be the loot was captured on camera. However, the identity of the person who ordered the operation remains unknown. Following the robbery, the Louvre has implemented security upgrades, including the installation of a gate at the entrance used by the thieves, the addition of 100 cameras, and increased police presence. However, the incident exposed significant vulnerabilities, with less than 40% of the museum's rooms adequately surveilled and alarm systems incomplete. The modernization of security, initially expected to be completed by 2032, has become a priority. In January 2025, President Emmanuel Macron announced a "New Renaissance of the Louvre," aiming to repair the palace, improve visitor access, and create a dedicated room for the Mona Lisa. An international architecture competition was launched in June 2025, with five teams competing. The winning team, led by STUDIOS Architecture Paris and Selldorf Architects, was announced in May 2026. The project includes a new entrance along the axis of the Perrault Colonnade, excavation under the Cour Carrée, and the creation of a dedicated space for the Mona Lisa. However, details about the project's cost, design, and timeline remain unclear. The estimated cost of the "New Renaissance" has fluctuated significantly, ranging from 700 to 1.36 billion euros, depending on the scope of the work. The Cour des comptes has noted that over five billion euros will be required for major cultural projects between 2026 and 2035, but funding remains uncertain. The Louvre relies on its own resources, including ticket revenue and income from the Louvre Abu Dhabi, to raise 360 million euros from private partners. The 2027 budget faces challenges due to the government's need for savings and increasing public debt. No public document guarantees the multi-year funding necessary for the project, and the contributions from the state, the Louvre, and private patrons are not yet finalized. While the project is not officially suspended, its implementation remains uncertain, with studies continuing and funding decisions delayed. The Louvre faces a dilemma between expanding visitor capacity and ensuring the museum's maintenance and security. The proposed autonomous room for the Mona Lisa raises questions about the painting's status within the museum. The international press has highlighted the paradox of a prestigious billion-euro construction project amid ongoing security and infrastructure issues. The French press has focused more on governance and appointments than on detailed financing. The Louvre's challenges extend beyond the robbery and the new entrance project, as it must balance urgent repairs with long-term development. The museum remains in a state of transition, waiting for the necessary funding and political commitment to move forward with its ambitious plans.