STUDIOS Architecture and Selldorf Win Louvre Nouvelle Renaissance Competition

STUDIOS Architecture Paris, with Selldorf Architects and BASE Landscape Architecture, has won the international competition to redesign the Louvre's entrances, visitor experience, and urban integration. The jury, led by Marc Guillaume, selected the proposal on May 13, 2026, for its respectful and contemporary approach, creating an elegant connection between city, palace, and museum. The winning design includes two new underground entrances parallel to the Seine and Rue de Rivoli, complementing I.M. Pei's pyramid, and a dedicated space for the Mona Lisa. It restores the historic east-west axis from the Grande Arche de la Défense to the Louvre's colonnade. The project aims to streamline visitor flow, enhance security, and add modular exhibition spaces, relaxation areas, and services. The estimated investment is 400 million euros from internal resources, ticket sales, and sponsorships. Other finalists included Amanda Levete Architectes, Architecture Studio with Diller Scofidio + Renfro, Dubuisson Architecture with SANAA, and Sou Fujimoto ateliers Paris. The Louvre will now enter a consultation phase with the winning team to refine the project.