King Francis I of France acquired the painting around 1519, directly after Leonardo's death. Following the French Revolution, the royal collection became state property.
While it cannot be bought, experts often estimate its value for insurance or economic discussions.
As a masterpiece of Leonardo da Vinci, it is classified as an of France, meaning it is legally prohibited from being sold, donated, or permanently transferred to any private entity. 1. Legal Barriers: Why It Isn't For Sale
The short answer is , you cannot buy the original Mona Lisa .
Under French law, works in the national collection are "inalienable." This protection ensures that cultural heritage belongs to the public and cannot be deaccessioned from the museum.