The Louvre Museum in Paris has announced a substantial 45% price increase for visitors from outside the European Economic Area, effective January 14th. The decision, ratified by the museum’s board on Thursday, will see tourists from nations including the United States, United Kingdom, and China paying €32 ($37; £28) for admission—an increase of €10 from current rates.
This strategic move comes in response to mounting criticism of the institution’s security protocols and aging infrastructure following a spectacular October heist where thieves stole jewelry valued at $102 million (£76m) in a meticulously executed operation. An official audit conducted after the incident revealed significant deficiencies in the museum’s protective systems.
The revenue generated from this pricing restructuring is projected to yield millions annually, earmarked for comprehensive security enhancements and facility modernization. These improvements include addressing structural concerns that recently forced the closure of the Greek ceramics gallery, alongside planned renovations to visitor amenities including restrooms and dining facilities.
As the world’s most visited museum with approximately 9 million attendees in 2024—predominantly international tourists—the Louvre has faced persistent challenges with overcrowding. Notably, American visitors constitute over 10% of attendance, with Chinese tourists accounting for approximately 6%.
In a parallel development, President Emmanuel Macron confirmed plans to relocate Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa to a dedicated exhibition space to alleviate congestion in the Salle des États, where approximately 30,000 daily visitors compete for brief viewing opportunities of the iconic masterpiece.
The pricing strategy aligns with earlier suggestions from Macron and museum administration regarding differential fees for non-EU residents, though implemented earlier than the initially proposed 2026 timeline.