The Louvre is finally opening again after temporarily closing due to the coronavirus pandemic back in March. On July 6, France’s most famous museum will reopen with new social distancing measures in place, including reserving specific time slots for viewing exhibitions, and mask-wearing. While this might be inconvenient for many visitors, who are used to just being able to show up and stroll the museum at their leisure, it could actually prove useful for exhibits that are typically overcrowded.
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When the Louvre Reopens, Visitors Will Get Private Audiences With the Mona Lisa
When it comes to the Mona Lisa, for example — the museum’s most popular attraction — only two visitors at a time will be allowed in the room with the painting. This gives each individual sufficient time to truly enjoy the piece, in a near-private setting, without the distraction of other picture-taking tourists. Visitors will be able to spend 10-15 minutes in the room, guided by orange circles on the floor that indicate social distancing areas. And once you exit the gallery, you won’t be allowed back in.
Photo: Musée du Louvre/Facebook
When the museum reopens on July 6, about 70 percent of it will be accessible to the public, including popular galleries like the Ancient Egypt, Greek, and Roman antiquities, and Italian, Spanish, and English painting halls. 