Louvre Selects Architects for $1 Billion Expansion Project
The Louvre has selected Selldorf Architects from New York and Studios Architecture Paris to lead a $1 billion expansion project, dubbed the "Nouvelle Renaissance," aimed at addressing overcrowding and infrastructure issues. The initiative, announced by French President Emmanuel Macron in early 2025, includes a new entrance expected to increase annual visitor capacity by three million and a dedicated 33,000-square-foot gallery for the Mona Lisa. However, the project's budget remains uncertain, with estimates ranging from €270 million to €1.1 billion, raising concerns about its feasibility amid recent setbacks at the museum.
Christie's New York Auctions Exceed $1.1 Billion
Christie's New York achieved a historic milestone on May 18, 2026, with its auctions totaling over $1.1 billion, marking only the second time a single night of auctions surpassed this threshold. The evening featured significant sales, including Jackson Pollock's _Number 7A, 1948_, which sold for $181.2 million, and Constantin Brancusi's _Danaïde_, which fetched $107.6 million, both setting new auction records. The combined total from the Masterpieces: The Private Collection of S.I. Newhouse and the 20th Century Evening Sale reached $1,121,126,500, with 97% of lots sold.
Pace Gallery Acquires Constantin Brancusi Estate Representation
Pace Gallery has acquired the global representation of the Constantin Brancusi Estate, coinciding with the auction of Brancusi's 1913 sculpture Danaïde, which sold for $107.6 million at Christie’s in New York, setting a new auction record for the artist. The gallery plans to stage an exhibition in London this fall, featuring works from the estate and curated by art historian Jérôme Neutres. This acquisition adds to Pace's portfolio of over 30 artist estates, following the closure of the previous representative, Kasmin gallery.
Bayeux Tapestry to be Displayed Flat in 2026
The British Museum has announced that the Bayeux Tapestry will be displayed flat for the first time in recent history when it opens on September 10, 2026. This ten-month exhibition will feature the tapestry in a specially designed case, allowing visitors to view its 58 scenes in full, alongside loans from various institutions, including the Junius II manuscript from the University of Oxford and silver coins from the Chew Valley Hoard. Tickets for the exhibition will go on sale on July 1, 2026, with prices ranging from £25 to £33.
