Louvre Museum to Increase Ticket Prices for Non-EU Visitors in 2026: What It Means for Paris Tourism

Published on December 12, 2025

Paris’ iconic Louvre Museum is set to raise ticket prices for non-EU visitors starting 14 January 2026. The museum, which draws millions of art lovers each year, will see a significant price hike from €22 to €32 for visitors outside the European Union (EU) and European Economic Area (EEA). This move is part of the museum’s ongoing efforts to fund renovations, security upgrades, and the maintenance of its world-renowned collections.

For many visitors from outside Europe, this means the cost of experiencing the Louvre’s priceless art collections, including the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo, will rise substantially. While the price increase is expected to affect a large number of international tourists, it highlights the museum’s commitment to ensuring its long-term sustainability and improving the visitor experience.

Why Is the Louvre Raising Ticket Prices?

The decision to increase ticket prices is part of the Louvre’s strategy to support major renovations and security upgrades. In recent years, the museum has faced mounting pressures, including the need to preserve its extensive art collections and ensure the safety of millions of visitors each year. The Louvre, which ranks as one of the most visited museums in the world, has over 9 million visitors annually, with a significant portion of those coming from the United States, China, and other countries outside the EU.

According to museum officials, the extra revenue generated from the price increase will be used to fund renovations that have been planned for several years. These renovations will help expand exhibition spaces, enhance the museum’s infrastructure, and provide better visitor amenities. In addition, some of the funds will be allocated to security enhancements, particularly after incidents that have highlighted vulnerabilities in the museum’s safety protocols.

Who Will Be Affected by the Price Hike?

Starting in 2026, the ticket price increase will apply primarily to non-EU visitors, including tourists from the United States, China, and other regions outside Europe. The standard entry fee for these visitors will rise to €32, up from the current €22. However, residents of the EU/EEA will not see any increase in their ticket prices, which will remain at €22.

Additionally, certain groups of visitors will continue to enjoy free admission or discounted rates. This includes under-18s, young EU residents under 26, and visitors who qualify for special exemptions. These initiatives demonstrate the Louvre’s ongoing commitment to making its collections accessible to youth and local residents, ensuring that its cultural treasures remain available to future generations.

Impact on Paris Tourism

The Louvre Museum is one of the cornerstones of Paris tourism, attracting millions of tourists from around the world. With the price increase, there may be some shifts in how tourists plan their trips. Non-EU visitors, in particular, might seek out alternative museums or cultural attractions to balance their travel budgets. This shift could impact the broader Parisian tourism market, especially for travelers seeking affordable access to the city’s top attractions.

However, the price increase could also boost Paris tourism in other ways. For example, visitors might be more inclined to purchase combined tickets that include access to other iconic landmarks like the Musée d’Orsay, Centre Pompidou, or Palace of Versailles. Additionally, the increased funding for renovations and improved security may enhance the overall experience, making the Louvre even more attractive to tourists looking for a world-class cultural destination.

Moreover, the price hike may lead to increased interest in more exclusive museum experiences. For example, tourists might opt for private tours or VIP experiences, which offer in-depth access to the Louvre’s art collections and special exhibitions. These premium experiences often appeal to luxury travelers, who are willing to pay a premium for a more personalized and intimate museum visit.

What’s Next for the Louvre?

The Louvre’s ticket price hike is part of a broader trend in the global tourism industry, where many cultural institutions are adjusting their pricing structures to accommodate rising operational costs. As the world emerges from the pandemic, the Louvre and other museums are investing in digital services, interactive technologies, and renovations to meet the growing demands of a more tech-savvy and experience-driven visitor base.

For the Louvre, the price increase represents a strategic move to secure its future and continue offering an unparalleled cultural experience to global visitors. The museum is expected to remain a top destination for tourists, drawing art lovers and cultural enthusiasts from around the world.

What It Means for Travelers

While the price increase may be disappointing for some, it is important to recognize that the Louvre’s commitment to preserving its collections and enhancing the visitor experience will benefit future generations. The revenue generated from the price hike will support ongoing improvements, ensuring that the Louvre remains a premier cultural institution for years to come. For travelers planning a visit to Paris in 2026 and beyond, the Louvre’s enhanced offerings will make the higher ticket prices a worthwhile investment.

As Paris continues to rebound as a global tourism hub, the Louvre’s price increase is just one example of how iconic cultural institutions are adjusting to the evolving needs of visitors. Whether you’re planning to experience the Louvre’s masterpieces or exploring other museums in Paris, the city remains an unparalleled destination for culture, history, and art lovers.