In an attempt to reduce crowding, Paris’s Louvre has completed two years worth of renovation and expansion, spending €53.5m (US$59.3m, £45.7m) to streamline and organise the visitor experience for the world’s most popular museum.

The institution, which welcomed 8.6 million visitors in 2015, has centred its renovations on its below-ground lobby space, which has two new entrances to cut line length in half. Included in the changes are a larger ticket area, clearer signs, new cloakrooms and an information centre.

A new app providing a virtual tour has also been launched, allowing visitors to track where they have been in the museum, while also offering commentary on works of art and allowing ticket purchases online.

The Louvre’s under-development sister site in Abu Dhabi financed renovations, recognised by the introduction of a new space dedicated to UAE founder Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

The new space tells the story of the Louvre Palace, built by King Philippe Auguste in 1200, which became the residence of the Kings of France.

Through the space, visitors will navigate the ruins of the medieval period, royal chambers and chapel, ending with a section on the future of the Louvre, highlighting projects including Louvre Abu Dhabi and Musee du Louvre-Lens, which opened in northern France in 2012. The exhibition has been fitted with cutting-edge digital technology and includes an array of 3D films, animations and other attractions.

“These renovations are our answer to concrete questions that are crucial to the future of our museum: What is the Louvre that we want to offer our visitors? How can we make a former palace and complex knowledge more accessible to people? How can we reach all of our audiences?,” said Jean-Luc Martinez, president-director of the Louvre.

“It’s not about increasing the number of visitors, but knowing how to welcome people and help them get the most out of their visit. The real goal is to offer our visitors a more welcoming, more accessible, and more generous Louvre.”