The Louvre Museum will hike admission prices by 45% for most non-European visitors next year, earmarking the new revenue for a massive overhaul of security and infrastructure following a major art heist and persistent overcrowding.
Effective January 14, the new admission fee for tourists from outside the European Economic Area will be $34.70 (32 Euros), an increase of $10.85 (10 Euros) from the previous price. This applies to visitors from countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and China.
The price adjustment is expected to generate millions of Euros annually, which will fund extensive renovation projects. These improvements are set to address dilapidated infrastructure, enhance security systems, and add new visitor amenities, including restrooms and restaurants, at a cost of hundreds of millions of Euros.
The decision follows intense criticism of the museum’s security and management, particularly after a high-profile robbery in October. A four-member gang stole diamonds valued at $102 million and escaped within minutes, highlighting significant vulnerabilities.
Subsequent investigations revealed the museum had prioritized acquiring new artworks over critical maintenance and restoration efforts.
Beyond security, the price increase and renovation initiative also aim to alleviate severe tourist congestion, a long-standing issue for the world’s most visited museum.
Last year, the Louvre welcomed nearly nine million visitors, with a substantial majority coming from international destinations. Americans constituted over 10% of these visitors, and Chinese tourists accounted for approximately 6%.
Earlier this year, French President Emmanuel Macron and the museum had announced broader renovation plans, with initial discussions about increasing fees for non-EU citizens for 2026.
Macron also separately suggested relocating Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic Mona Lisa to a new display area to manage the roughly 30,000 daily visitors who primarily flock to see the masterpiece.