The world-renowned Louvre museum in Paris has announced a significant price increase for visitors from outside the European Union, a decision driven by the urgent need to finance a major modernisation of the historic building.
Price Hike Details and Rationale
Starting 14 January, the entry fee for non-EU nationals will rise from 22 euros to 32 euros. The museum's governing board approved the measure on Thursday. This decision follows an announcement earlier this year by French President Emmanuel Macron as part of a decade-long renovation and expansion strategy for the museum, dubbed the "Louvre New Renaissance" plan.
The urgency for this overhaul was starkly highlighted by the 19 October crown jewels heist, where thieves stole items valued at 88 million euros. The security breaches exposed during the robbery revealed the technical obsolescence of the museum's infrastructure, with its last major update having taken place in the 1980s.
Impact on Visitors and the Museum's Future
The price adjustment will not affect EU nationals or visitors from Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway. This is particularly significant given the Louvre's visitor demographics. In 2024, the museum welcomed 8.7 million visitors, with a staggering 77% being foreign tourists. Key nationalities impacted by the new pricing include visitors from the United States (13%), China (6%), and Britain (5%).
Louvre director Laurence des Cars has confirmed that over 20 emergency measures are already being implemented in response to the theft. The broader renovation plan, estimated to cost up to 800 million euros, aims to modernise the museum's infrastructure, alleviate crowding, and create a dedicated gallery for the Mona Lisa by 2031.
In a recent update on the investigation, the Paris prosecutor announced four more arrests—two men and two women—in connection with the audacious heist, which saw thieves use power tools to break in and escape with the loot on scooters in under eight minutes.
