Visitors from the United States, Britain, and other nations outside the European Economic Area will soon face significantly higher charges to enter the world-famous Louvre Museum in Paris.
Details of the Louvre's new pricing structure
From 14 January 2026, the entry fee for tourists from non-EEA countries will rise to 32 euros, approximately $37. This marks a sharp increase from the previous equivalent of around $25. The museum's board confirmed the decision on Thursday.
The price rise is a central part of a new fundraising initiative dubbed "Louvre — New Renaissance". This ambitious plan, announced in January by French President Emmanuel Macron and museum director Laurence des Cars, aims to generate funds for a comprehensive overhaul of the institution.
Funding a billion-euro renovation and security upgrade
The museum requires substantial investment for its renovation project, which includes moving the Mona Lisa to a new exhibition space to alleviate overcrowding, alongside major building-wide refurbishments. A recent audit by France's Cour des Comptes placed the total cost of this overhaul at a staggering $1.3 billion.
A Louvre spokesperson stated the increased admission price is expected to raise an additional $23 million per year towards these renovation costs. The move follows a highly publicised art heist in October, where thieves stole an estimated $100 million in jewellery from a gallery, exploiting what was described as lax security. In response, the museum is implementing emergency measures, including installing 100 new cameras and enhanced anti-intrusion systems.
A tit-for-tat tourism fee dynamic?
This decision by the Louvre comes in the wake of a similar policy shift in the United States. The Trump administration recently introduced what it calls "America-first" pricing for foreign visitors to US national parks.
Under this policy, the cost of the "America the Beautiful" annual pass for foreign nationals has skyrocketed from $80 to $250, while the price for Americans remains unchanged. Furthermore, international tourists visiting the 11 most popular US national parks without the pass will be charged an extra $100 fee.
The Louvre's visitor demographics highlight the impact of this change. In 2024, the museum welcomed approximately 9 million people, with foreign tourists making up 77% of that figure. According to the Associated Press, around 13% of all visitors were American.
