Lombardy Region Proposes Hosting Mona Lisa Amid Louvre Crisis
The Louvre museum in Paris is in critical condition due to overcrowding, prompting discussions about possibly relocating Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa. On January 23, 2025, Artribune was among the first Italian outlets to report the news. Lombardy's culture councilor Francesca Caruso then issued an official statement offering to host the painting in Lombardy, especially ahead of the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympics. Caruso, a 45-year-old from Varese and former deputy mayor of Gallarate, has no background in culture and has been criticized as an 'invisible councilor.' Her proposal was widely seen as populist and embarrassing, given the region's own cultural management deficits. The article calls for her resignation, noting that neighboring regions have far more qualified culture councilors.
Key facts
- The Louvre is in poor condition due to millions of visitors and may need to move the Mona Lisa.
- Artribune reported the news on January 23, 2025.
- Francesca Caruso is the culture councilor of Lombardy Region.
- Caruso issued an official statement offering to host the Mona Lisa in Lombardy.
- She linked the offer to the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympics.
- Caruso has no prior experience in culture and was appointed through political connections.
- The article criticizes Lombardy's management of transport and healthcare.
- Caruso is a protégé of Tourism Minister Daniela Santanché, who faces legal issues.
Entities
Artists
- Leonardo da Vinci
Institutions
- Louvre
- Regione Lombardia
- Artribune
- Fratelli d'Italia
- Gallerie d'Italia
- Reggia di Caserta
Locations
- Paris
- France
- Lombardy
- Italy
- Varese
- Gallarate
- Milan
- Cortina
- Piedmont
- Emilia Romagna