The Louvre Museum in Paris will increase ticket prices for visitors from outside the European Union, raising the cost from €22 to €32 (approximately $A38 to $A57) starting January 14, 2024. This decision aims to help finance a significant renovation project, responding to concerns raised after a recent theft incident involving the museum’s crown jewels.
The announcement was made earlier this year by French President Emmanuel Macron as part of a comprehensive ten-year plan for the museum’s renovation and expansion. The Louvre’s governing board approved the price hike, which will affect millions of visitors annually.
Visitors from Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway will remain exempt from this increase due to their participation in the European Economic Area agreement. In 2024, the museum welcomed 8.7 million visitors, with 77 percent coming from abroad. The largest groups of foreign visitors originated from the United States (13 percent), China (6 percent), and the United Kingdom (5 percent), all of whom will face the new ticket pricing.
Following a high-profile robbery on October 19, which saw thieves break into the Apollo Gallery, the Louvre has begun implementing over 20 emergency measures to enhance security. During the incident, thieves utilized a freight lift to access the gallery, cutting through display cases with power tools and escaping with stolen items in under eight minutes.
Laurence des Cars, the museum’s director, emphasized that the Louvre’s last major renovation in the 1980s is now outdated and highlighted the urgent need for a comprehensive upgrade. The projected cost for the “Louvre New Renaissance” plan is estimated at up to €800 million and aims to modernize the museum’s infrastructure, alleviate overcrowding, and establish a dedicated gallery for the iconic Mona Lisa by 2031.
In a recent development related to the robbery, the Paris prosecutor announced four additional arrests connected to the theft. Two men and two women are currently being held for questioning until a judge decides whether to file preliminary charges against them.
As the Louvre prepares for these significant changes, the museum remains a central cultural hub, drawing visitors from around the world while navigating the challenges of maintaining security and preserving its invaluable collections.
