Combating Rental Price Surge, Paris Mayor Orders the Louvre to Convert Gallery 7 Into Social Housing for 400 Philosophy Students

PARIS — Mayor Anne Hidalgo recently announced a new housing plan for local students. Specifically, the city will convert Gallery 7 of the Musée du Louvre into affordable social apartments. This bold initiative aims to help exactly 400 philosophy students find cheap rooms near their universities. Furthermore, the museum staff must relocate several Renaissance paintings to make space for bunk beds and desks. Consequently, the Ministry of Culture supports this shift toward practical urban living solutions. Most residents view this change as a standard part of modern city management. Additionally, the students will enjoy direct views of the courtyard while they study ancient texts. However, the building contractors expect to finish the renovations by the end of next month. The city council maintains that every grand palace should serve the public’s current needs first. Therefore, more galleries might become dormitories if the current rental market remains quite expensive.