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Louvre raises non-EU ticket prices by 45% to fund modernisation
The Louvre announced on Thursday a 45% increase in admission fees for visitors from outside the European Economic Area (EEA), effective 14 January 2026. Non-EU tourists-including those from the US, UK, and China-will now pay €32 ($37; £28), up from €22, as part of a broader plan to modernise the world's most-visited museum.
Funding overhaul after security failures
The price hike follows a high-profile October heist in which a four-person gang stole jewellery worth $102m (£76m) within minutes, exposing critical security flaws. A subsequent audit revealed outdated infrastructure and insufficient safeguards, prompting calls for urgent upgrades.
Officials estimate the fee increase will generate €15m-€20m annually, earmarked for renovations, including new visitor amenities like restrooms and dining areas. The Louvre, which attracted nearly 9 million visitors in 2024-over 10% from the US and 6% from China-has long faced criticism for overcrowding and underinvestment in maintenance.
Targeted price adjustments
Non-EU visitors on guided tours will also see fees rise to €28, up from €18. The museum's leadership defended the move, citing the need to balance international demand with sustainable operations. French President Emmanuel Macron had signaled potential fee increases in January, alongside plans to relocate the Mona Lisa to ease congestion in the Salle des États, where crowds currently jostle for brief glimpses of the masterpiece.
Structural concerns and long-term plans
Recent closures, including a Greek ceramics gallery shut this month due to structural risks, underscore the museum's ageing facilities. The audit found that while the Louvre had prioritised acquiring new artworks, spending on maintenance and restoration lagged. Modernisation efforts, projected to cost hundreds of millions, will address capacity issues, security gaps, and visitor experience.
The Louvre's current model is unsustainable. Without investment, we risk compromising both the safety of our collections and the quality of the visitor experience.
Louvre spokesperson (January 2025)
Next steps
Renovations will begin in early 2026, with phased updates to security systems, gallery layouts, and public spaces. The museum will monitor visitor feedback and adjust pricing strategies as needed.
