The new director of the Louvre Museum, Christophe Leribault, has warned French senators that the iconic Paris museum is in a state of disrepair and nearing its operational limits due to outdated infrastructure. He defended a proposed $1.1 billion renovation project, dubbed “Nouvelle Renaissance,” as “absolutely necessary” during a senate hearing. The renovation will be funded through increased ticket prices for non-EU citizens, donations, and contributions from the Louvre Abu Dhabi, avoiding direct funding from the French state. The need for upgrades was underscored by a high-profile jewelry heist last October, which exposed critical flaws in the museum’s security systems, including outdated cameras and expired permits. France’s Court of Auditors previously criticized the Louvre’s slow response to improving security. Leribault stated that additional security cameras have been installed in vulnerable areas following the robbery. President Macron initially announced the renovation plans last year.