Starting Jan. 14, international tourists visiting the Louvre Museum in Paris will face higher ticket price as part of a sweeping effort to modernize and secure France’s most famous cultural landmark. Ticket prices for visitors from outside the European Union will rise from 22 euros to 32 euros — approximately US$25 to US$37.
This change, approved by the museum’s leadership, is intended to help fund a major renovation project in response to long-standing concerns over the condition and security of the centuries-old building. Visitors from EU countries, along with those from Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway, will not be affected by the new rates.
The decision follows an alarming security breach in October, when thieves stole crown jewels from the museum. Authorities later arrested four suspects connected to the theft, highlighting the urgent need for improvements in security systems across the site.
Louvre aims for major overhaul by 2031
The Louvre welcomed 8.7 million visitors in 2024, with nearly 80% coming from outside France. Tourists from the United States made up the largest share among international guests, followed by travelers from China and the United Kingdom — all of whom will now face higher ticket costs.
Museum director Laurence des Cars confirmed that more than 20 emergency safety measures have already been implemented. She emphasized that the museum’s last major upgrade took place in the 1980s and no longer meets current demands. She described the current renovation as necessary to ensure both visitor safety and a better experience.
The multiyear initiative, called “Louvre New Renaissance,” is expected to cost up to 800 million euros — nearly US$933 million. Key goals include improving traffic flow, reducing crowding, and creating a separate, more accessible viewing area for the Mona Lisa by 2031.
Other French attractions follow suit
Other historic French landmarks are also revising their pricing structures for international guests to finance urgent repairs and modern updates.
The Palace of Versailles is considering a 3-euro price hike for non-EU visitors, while Château de Chambord — a 16th-century royal estate in the Loire Valley — plans to increase its ticket price by 10 euros for foreign tourists. The new rate of 30 euros will go into effect in January.
Pierre Dubreuil, director of Château de Chambord, said that restoration costs for the estate’s aging royal wing are estimated at 37 million euros (US$43 million). He added that the majority of international visitors view such trips as once-in-a-lifetime experiences, suggesting that modest price increases are unlikely to discourage tourism.
The Louvre’s renovation marks a major shift in how France’s most iconic sites balance cultural preservation with growing international tourism. With millions of travelers expected in the coming years, museum officials hope these upgrades will secure the future of the institution while offering a safer and more comfortable experience for all guests.