Louvre Museum increases ticket prices by 45% for non-EU visitors starting 2026, aiming to raise €20 million annually for security upgrades.
PARIS: The Louvre Museum will implement a 45% price increase for most non-European Union visitors starting in 2026.
Non-EU tourists from countries including the United States, Britain and China will pay €32 for entry, up from the current €22.
The price adjustment aims to generate up to €20 million annually for structural improvements and security enhancements.
This decision follows last month’s high-profile theft where jewellery worth an estimated $102 million was stolen from the museum.
A four-person gang executed the daylight heist in just seven minutes before escaping on scooters.
An official investigation revealed significant security equipment deficiencies throughout the museum premises.
The Louvre received 8.7 million visitors in 2024, with foreigners accounting for 69% of total attendance.
Americans constituted the largest foreign visitor group, with Chinese tourists ranking third.
Labour unions have criticised the differentiated pricing structure, calling it discriminatory.
The CFDT union warned the policy would be perceived as “discrimination” against non-EU nationals.
Museum management defended the move as necessary to address longstanding structural problems.
The price increase applies to visitors from outside the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway.
The measure was approved during a recent museum board meeting and takes effect January 14, 2026. – AFP
