Ticket Price Shock: Louvre Museum Increases Entry Fees by 45% for Non-EU Tourists

Starting January 14, 2024, the Louvre, the world’s most visited museum, will implement a 45% increase in ticket prices for most visitors from non-European Union countries, including the U.S., U.K., and China. This increase will raise the entrance fee to €32 ($37; £28), a substantial hike aimed at generating €15 million to €20 million annually for much-needed renovations and security upgrades.

The decision comes in response to the museum’s ongoing struggles with security highlighted by a recent October heist, where a gang stole jewelry valued at $102 million. Following this incident, an official audit pinpointed inadequate security measures and aging infrastructure as critical issues.

Beginning next year, group visitors from non-EU countries with accredited guides will also see a new fee of €28. The Louvre attracted nearly 9 million visitors last year, with over 10% coming from the U.S. and 6% from China. Such a significant rise in ticket prices has been proposed not only to bolster the museum’s financial resources but also to address crowd management problems that have historically plagued the museum, resulting in congested galleries and lengthy queues.

In an effort to improve the visitor experience, French President Emmanuel Macron discussed plans to relocate the Mona Lisa to a new exhibition space to alleviate overcrowding, as many visitors only get brief moments to appreciate Leonardo da Vinci’s renowned painting. Upcoming renovations are set to include additional facilities such as new restrooms and restaurants, with estimations of several hundred million euros required for these improvements. As part of the Louvre’s strategic response to its security and visitor experience challenges, it’s clear that managing both the financial and practical aspects of such a popular cultural site is more crucial than ever.