The Louvre Museum in Paris will implement a significant ticket price increase for non-European visitors starting from January 14, 2024. Tickets will rise from €22 to €32 (approximately $A38 to $A57) as part of a plan to finance extensive renovations following a recent robbery that exposed the museum’s deteriorating infrastructure.
The decision, approved by the Louvre’s governing board, aligns with a broader initiative announced earlier this year by French President Emmanuel Macron. This initiative is intended to modernize the museum over the next decade, aiming to enhance visitor experience and preserve its iconic collections. Nationals from Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway will be exempt from this price hike due to their membership in the European Economic Area.
In 2024, the Louvre welcomed approximately 8.7 million visitors, with about 77 percent coming from outside France. Among these international visitors, the largest groups included individuals from the United States (13 percent), China (6 percent), and the United Kingdom (5 percent), all of whom will be directly affected by the new pricing structure.
The Louvre’s director, Laurence des Cars, recently announced that over 20 emergency measures are being swiftly implemented in response to the robbery that occurred on October 19. During this incident, thieves gained entry to the museum’s Apollo Gallery using a freight lift and power tools, stealing valuable artifacts in under eight minutes. Following the robbery, Paris prosecutors confirmed that four additional arrests were made in connection with the case, with suspects being held for questioning until a judge decides on potential charges.
The planned renovations, dubbed the “Louvre New Renaissance,” are estimated to cost up to €800 million. The project aims to modernize the museum’s infrastructure, improve crowd management, and create a dedicated gallery for the world-renowned Mona Lisa by the year 2031. The last significant renovation of the Louvre occurred in the 1980s and is now considered outdated.
These changes reflect the museum’s commitment to enhancing visitor safety and experience while preserving its cultural heritage. As the Louvre prepares for a new chapter, the upcoming price adjustments mark a pivotal step in its ongoing evolution.
