Louvre Museum Unveils Marlene Dumas's 'Liaisons,' Adding Contemporary Art to Permanent Collection

On November 6, 2025, the Louvre Museum in Paris unveiled "Liaisons," a series of nine paintings by Dutch-South African artist Marlene Dumas, marking the first time a contemporary female artist's work has been added to the museum's permanent collection. The paintings are installed in the Porte des Lions atrium, leading to the Gallery of the Five Continents and the Department of Paintings.

Marlene Dumas, born in 1953 in Cape Town, South Africa, is renowned for her emotionally charged, expressionistic portraits that explore themes of identity, ambiguity, and humanity. Her work is deeply influenced by her experiences growing up under apartheid and often incorporates references from photographs, literature, and current events. Despite her significant contributions to contemporary art, Dumas has consistently resisted labels such as feminist or activist, preferring to maintain ambiguity in both her art and public identity.

Commissioned by Louvre President Laurence des Cars, "Liaisons" consists of nine paintings depicting enigmatic faces rendered in Dumas's signature expressionistic style. The series is installed in the Porte des Lions atrium, a strategic location that serves as an entrance to the Gallery of the Five Continents and the Department of Paintings. This placement underscores the museum's commitment to integrating contemporary art within its historic framework. Dumas has stated that her faces are a mixture of the past and the present, influenced by the shadows of ongoing global conflicts, reflecting the dehumanization experienced by many.

The inclusion of Marlene Dumas's work in the Louvre's permanent collection represents a significant step toward diversifying the museum's offerings and acknowledging the contributions of contemporary female artists. This move aligns with broader efforts within the art world to address historical gender imbalances and promote inclusivity. By integrating modern perspectives, the Louvre not only enriches its collection but also engages with contemporary social issues, reflecting a commitment to cultural evolution and relevance.

Announced by French President Emmanuel Macron on January 28, 2025, the "Nouvelle Renaissance du Louvre" is a comprehensive project aimed at modernizing the museum and enhancing visitor experience. The initiative includes the creation of a new entrance on the eastern wing, the construction of underground spaces, and the relocation of the Mona Lisa to a dedicated room beneath the Cour Carrée. The project is estimated to cost between €700 and €900 million and is expected to be completed by 2031. Funding will come from the museum's own resources, state contributions, private sponsorships, and increased ticket prices for non-European Union visitors.

The unveiling of Marlene Dumas's "Liaisons" at the Louvre is a landmark event that signifies the museum's dedication to embracing contemporary art and promoting diversity within its collection. This development, coupled with the ambitious "Nouvelle Renaissance du Louvre" initiative, positions the museum at the forefront of efforts to modernize and remain culturally relevant in the 21st century.