Louvre Museum Raises Admission Fees for Non-EU Tourists by €10 to Boost Revenue for Renovations and Address Security Gaps After 2025 Theft

Published on November 28, 2025

Paris, the heart of art and culture, is bracing for a shift in its tourism dynamics as the world’s most visited museum, the Louvre, announces a 45% increase in ticket prices for visitors from outside the European Union (EU). Starting in January 2026, tourists from countries like the US, UK, and China will now face a €32 entry fee, up from the current €22. This price hike, designed to bolster the museum’s security and fund necessary renovations, comes in the wake of a high-profile theft last month that highlighted significant security flaws. The Louvre, renowned for its unmatched art collection, including masterpieces like the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace, remains an essential stop for millions of travelers. But with rising costs, it’s important for future visitors to plan ahead, especially as the museum strives to modernize and address critical structural issues.

For many, the Louvre represents a gateway to Parisian culture and history—a destination that blends the past and the present in a timeless celebration of art. This price adjustment, though contentious, is part of a broader effort to maintain the museum’s world-class status and to fund security upgrades following the brazen daylight jewelry theft that shocked the art world in October 2025. The museum hopes that these new ticket prices will provide the much-needed revenue to ensure that the Louvre continues to thrive as a symbol of cultural heritage and artistic excellence.

Key Highlights of the Louvre’s Ticket Price Increase and Its Impact on Tourism:

1. Ticket Price Increase: What’s Changing?

• For Non-EU Visitors:
  Starting from January 14, 2026, visitors from outside the European Economic Area (EEA), including those from the US, UK, China, and other non-EU countries, will see the price of admission to the Louvre rise from €22 to €32. This €10 increase marks a 45% hike in the base entry fee for foreign tourists.
• Louvre’s New Pricing Structure:
  The increased fees will be applied primarily to international tourists, while EU nationals and residents will continue to pay the standard price of €16. This decision, approved by the Louvre’s board of directors, reflects the museum’s need for additional funding after its structural issues were revealed, particularly following the October 2025 jewelry heist.
• Revenue Generation Goals:
  The Louvre estimates that this price increase will generate up to €20 million annually. These funds will be used to address the museum’s urgent maintenance needs and improve the museum’s security systems, which were criticized after the robbery.

2. The Louvre’s Role in Paris Tourism

As the world’s most visited museum, the Louvre Museum has long been a centerpiece of Paris tourism. In 2024, it attracted over 8.7 million visitors, with nearly 69% of them coming from abroad. The US, China, and the UK make up the largest share of non-European visitors, making this price hike particularly impactful for travelers from these regions.

• Global Attraction:
  The Louvre is home to some of the most iconic works of art in history, including the Mona Lisa, The Raft of the Medusa, and The Wedding at Cana. The museum’s unparalleled collection makes it a must-see attraction for art lovers worldwide.
• Impact on Global Tourism:
  Paris, known as the cultural capital of the world, sees millions of tourists annually, and the Louvre is often the primary attraction for those visiting the city. The museum’s influence extends beyond art enthusiasts, as it plays a significant role in France’s tourism economy.

3. Security Concerns Following the October 2025 Heist

• The Daylight Jewelry Heist:
  On October 19, 2025, a four-person gang raided the Louvre, managing to steal €88 million worth of jewelry in just seven minutes. The criminals, who escaped on scooters, were able to bypass the museum’s inadequate security systems, which had been under scrutiny for some time.
• Structural Problems and Security Weaknesses:
  An official investigation following the robbery revealed that the Louvre had prioritized purchasing new art and exhibitions over the maintenance and restoration of its facilities. This imbalance led to security shortcomings that made the museum vulnerable to such thefts.
• Plans for Renovation:
  With the revenue from the ticket price increase, the Louvre plans to upgrade its infrastructure to ensure that the museum remains safe and secure for both visitors and the priceless treasures it holds. The funds will be directed toward modernizing security systems and addressing structural issues that have been neglected in recent years.

4. Union Reactions and Controversies

• Labor Union Backlash:
  The Louvre’s decision to increase prices has faced criticism from labor unions, particularly the CFDT (the largest national trade union federation in France), which argues that the move is discriminatory. The union is concerned that this differentiated pricing structure will create a two-tiered system that favors EU visitors over international tourists.
• Concerns Over Accessibility:
  The union also raises concerns about the impact on accessibility for foreign tourists, particularly those from non-EU countries who may now find the Louvre unaffordable. The union suggests that the price hike could negatively affect the museum’s international appeal.

5. Similar Price Adjustments in Other French Landmarks

• Other Cultural Attractions Following Suit:
  The Louvre’s price increase may set a precedent for other major cultural institutions in France. According to Rachida Dati, France’s Minister of Culture, a differentiated pricing structure will be implemented in 2026 across all national cultural operators, including museums, historical sites, and tourist attractions.
• Palace of Versailles Considerations:
  The Palace of Versailles, another iconic French landmark, has indicated that it is considering raising prices for individual visits by €3 for non-EEA residents. While the price hike is still under review, this suggests that other institutions may soon follow the Louvre’s lead in adjusting their admission fees.

Conclusion:

The Louvre Museum’s decision to increase ticket prices for non-EU visitors is a direct response to security concerns and structural challenges that have plagued the museum in recent years. While this move may initially be controversial, the additional revenue will play a critical role in ensuring that the museum can continue to offer a world-class experience to its visitors while securing its treasures. As the Louvre looks to bolster its security systems and fund necessary renovations, this price adjustment signals a shift in how Paris and other major cultural destinations balance the needs of tourists with the realities of maintaining and protecting their historical and artistic assets.