The Louvre Museum in Paris will increase ticket prices for visitors from outside the European Union, raising the cost from 22 euros to 32 euros (approximately $A38 to $A57) starting on January 14, 2024. This decision aims to generate revenue for a significant renovation project, which was catalyzed by recent security concerns following a high-profile theft.
Earlier this year, French President Emmanuel Macron announced the price hike as part of a comprehensive, decade-long plan to renovate and expand the museum. The Louvre’s governing board approved the increase, which will primarily affect international visitors. Visitors from Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway, who are part of the European Economic Area, will remain exempt from the increase.
The Louvre welcomed approximately 8.7 million visitors in 2024, with 77 percent of them being foreign tourists. The largest groups of international visitors include those from the United States, China, and the United Kingdom, accounting for 13 percent, 6 percent, and 5 percent of visitors, respectively. These demographics will see a direct impact from the new pricing structure.
In response to the recent theft, which occurred on October 19, Louvre director Laurence des Cars stated that over 20 emergency measures are being implemented. The robbery involved thieves who gained entry to the Apollo Gallery using power tools and a freight lift, managing to escape with the stolen items in under eight minutes. The museum’s last major renovation was in the 1980s, and des Cars noted that the current infrastructure is now considered technically obsolete.
The Louvre’s ambitious renovation plan, dubbed the “Louvre New Renaissance,” is projected to cost up to 800 million euros. This initiative aims to modernize the museum’s infrastructure, alleviate overcrowding, and create a dedicated gallery for the iconic Mona Lisa by 2031.
Following the robbery, the Paris prosecutor’s office announced that four additional arrests have been made in connection with the case. The two men and two women detained will be held for questioning until a judge determines whether to press preliminary charges.
As the Louvre prepares for these changes, the increased ticket prices reflect the museum’s commitment to enhancing security and improving the visitor experience while maintaining its status as a leading cultural institution.
