The Mona Lisa returns, but this time without the crowds as the Louvre reopens

After months of closure, the Louvre, the world’s most visited museum, has opened its doors again. While the experience may have changed, at least the Mona Lisa will be free from the usual crowd of onlookers.

The Mona Lisa, usually swarmed with visitors eager to snap a photo of Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, can now be admired by guests following a one-way route and practicing social distancing.

Shortly after reopening, photos surfaced showing an organized line of people patiently waiting for their turn to see the famous portrait.

Anyone hoping to visit the Louvre, which closed in March due to the Covid-19 lockdown in Paris, must now pre-book a time slot for entry.

Inside the museum, face masks are mandatory and visitors must maintain at least one meter of social distancing.

Time slots have been available for pre-booking since June 15. The Louvre’s website notes that a limited number of same-day time slots may be available during off-peak hours. Even if you qualify for free admission (such as those under 25 and residents of the European Union), you still need to reserve your time in advance. A quick tip: inside the museum, only card payments are accepted.

Children under 11 are not required to wear masks, but all other visitors, as well as staff, must have their faces covered. Hand sanitizer stations are available at the entrances, and visitors are required to disinfect their hands before entering.

Social distancing also applies to tour groups. Groups of up to 25 people can explore the museum together, but to ensure proper distancing, they must wear headsets, and the tour guide will need to use a microphone.

There will be other noticeable changes. The cloakroom will be closed for the time being, so visitors are advised to pack lightly. Additionally, some galleries will remain off-limits, including the French sculpture sections from the Middle Ages and Renaissance, as well as the arts from Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas.

Absence of tourists

When the museum reopened on Monday, a group of Parisian tour guides staged a protest outside, holding up images of the Mona Lisa's face. The protest was a response to what they saw as inadequate support for the tourism sector in recent months.

The Louvre has been closed since March 13, and it has reportedly suffered losses exceeding 40 million euros.

As one of the city’s major tourist destinations, the Louvre is likely to see mostly local visitors for the time being, with international travel still limited compared to pre-pandemic levels.

For some, the quieter atmosphere of the museum is something to look forward to.

Journalist Katy Scott, who moved to Paris during the lockdown, expressed excitement about experiencing the museum’s iconic exhibits without the usual crowds.

“I’m excited to grab a front-row spot in front of any artwork I want, without having to push through crowds of tourists,” she says.

“And hopefully, I won’t have to view the Mona Lisa through someone’s smartphone screen!”