In brief
In a significant move to bolster security and overhaul infrastructure, the Louvre museum will increase ticket prices for non-EU tourists by 45%, starting January 2024. The new fee structure will charge travelers from countries like the US and China €32 for admission. This increase aims to generate between €15 million and €20 million annually to support modernisation efforts following security criticisms linked to a recent high-profile heist.
Ticket prices for the Louvre museum in Paris will rise by 45% for most non-European Union visitors, the museum's board decided on Thursday.
From early next year, tourists from countries like the US, UK and China will have to pay €32 ($37; £28) to enter the museum, a price hike which is expected to raise millions of euros annually to fund an overhaul of the famous gallery.
The museum's security and management have faced criticism since a brazen heist in October, when a four-person gang stole jewellery worth $102m (£76m) and fled within minutes.
An official audit of the museum published shortly after the heist highlighted the institution's inadequate security systems and ageing infrastructure.
From 14 January, visitors from countries outside the European Economic Area - a group including EU member states, Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein - will pay an extra €10 to enter the world's most visited museum. Non-EU visitors in groups with accredited guides will also face a new fee of €28 starting next year, as announced by the Louvre.
This increase is projected to generate between €15m and €20m each year to support the museum's modernisation plans. The Louvre, which received nearly 9 million visitors last year, sees a significant influx from countries like the US and China, which together represent over 16% of its total visitors.
Visitor feedback has long highlighted issues with overcrowding within the museum's halls, often prompting complaints regarding lengthy wait times.
This January, French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans for substantial improvements to the Louvre and suggested future price increases for non-EU residents in 2026.
In addition, Macron revealed plans to relocate the acclaimed Mona Lisa to alleviate overcrowding around the artwork. Major upgrades throughout the museum are included in the renovation, which will involve hundreds of millions of euros to improve visitor amenities, including new toilets and dining options.
Earlier this month, the Louvre also had to close a gallery featuring Greek ceramics due to structural concerns. Insights from the investigation that followed the October theft revealed that while the museum spent considerably on acquiring new art pieces, it allocated far less on maintenance and restoration of existing installations.
