The Louvre ticket price increase will affect millions of tourists starting early next year, after the museum’s board approved a major pricing change. Travelers from countries outside the European Union – including the US, UK and China – will soon pay €32 ($37; £28) for admission, a 45% jump compared to current prices.
French officials expect the additional revenue to help fund sweeping improvements to the world-famous museum, which receives nearly nine million visitors a year. The increase is forecast to generate several million euros annually.
Security and Infrastructure Issues Prompt Change
Impact of the October Heist
The pricing policy was announced after concerns about outdated security systems following an audacious museum robbery in October. A group of thieves made off with jewellery worth more than $100m (£76m) in just minutes, prompting public criticism and a government-backed audit.
The investigation concluded that while the museum invested heavily in acquiring new artworks, spending on security, repairs and maintenance had significantly lagged behind.
Rising Pressure to Solve Overcrowding
From 14 January, all visitors from outside the European Economic Area — which includes EU nations plus Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein — will be charged €10 more to enter. The Louvre remains the world’s most visited museum, and visitor crowds have long exceeded its infrastructure capacity. About 10% come from the US, and around 6% from China.
Increasing admission fees has been discussed for years, amid visitor complaints of congested rooms and long wait times to see the museum’s key attractions.
Major Renovation Plans for the Museum
Mona Lisa to Move to a Different Space
French President Emmanuel Macron previously confirmed plans to upgrade the museum’s facilities in early 2024 and suggested further price adjustments for non-EU tourists by 2026. One of the most notable proposals includes relocating the Mona Lisa to reduce overcrowding in the Salle des États gallery, where thousands compete for a brief view each day.
Modernization to Cost Hundreds of Millions
The Louvre will also redesign key areas of the museum to improve the visitor experience. Planned improvements include:
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Additional restrooms
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New restaurants and guest amenities
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Gallery refurbishments
These renovation projects are expected to require several hundred million euros.
Earlier this month, the museum temporarily closed its Greek ceramics gallery due to structural concerns, emphasizing the pressing need for updates.
A Shift in Priorities for the World’s Most Visited Museum
A review conducted after the October robbery revealed disproportionate spending on new acquisitions while investment in restoration, building maintenance and security declined. With almost 30,000 daily visitors, the museum must expand, modernize and secure its facilities to sustain tourism in the long term.
