The Louvre Museum in Paris will sharply increase ticket prices for visitors from outside Europe next year, with the cost rising by 45% as per a report by AFP. The museum’s board approved the change on Thursday, saying the new price will help in funding major improvements to the world-famous gallery.
People from countries outside the European Union, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein will now have to pay €32 (about $37) to enter the museum. This is an increase of €10 from the current cost. The new pricing will take effect from January 14, 2026.
The majority of non-EU visitors will pay more
The price hike will impact a large share of the Louvre’s international visitors. Tourists from the US, China, the UK and other non-EU countries will fall under the new bracket, as per a BBC report.
The higher fee is likely to bring in millions of euros every year, which the museum plans to use for upgrades such as new visitor facilities, renovation projects and structural improvements across the building.
The Louvre recorded almost 9 million visitors last year, with more than 10% coming from the United States and around 6% from China. Many visitors have complained about overcrowded galleries and long queues, especially around the Mona Lisa, which saw the largest share of foot traffic. French President Emmanuel Macron has earlier suggested relocating the painting to lessen the congestion.
Price hike follows security concerns and infrastructure issues
The Louvre recently faced heavy criticism after a dramatic jewellery heist in October. Four people in a gang stole items worth more than $102 million and escaped within minutes.
An official audit held after the incident found weakness in the museum’s security systems and stated that the building suffers from ageing infrastructure.
Additionally, the museum has recently closed a gallery of Greek ceramics because of structural issues, underlining the need for large-scale renovation. The Louvre has invested heavily in purchasing new artworks in recent years, but it has spent far less on restoration and building maintenance. The new entry fee is part of a broader plan to modernise the museum, add more restrooms and restaurants, ease crowd pressure and enhance visitor experience.
