Louvre Slaps 45% Price Hike on Non-EU Visitors to Fund Big Upgrades

The Louvre museum in Paris, known for its iconic glass pyramid and famous artworks like the Mona Lisa, is planning to increase ticket prices for most visitors from outside the European Union. Last year, the museum welcomed nearly 9 million guests, with a large portion coming from countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and China. Starting early next year, these non-EU tourists will have to pay €32, which is about $37 or £28, to enter the museum. This is a 45% increase from the current price. The museum's board made this decision to help raise millions of euros each year, which will be used to modernize and improve the museum's facilities.

The Louvre has faced criticism over its security and management, especially after a major jewelry theft last year. A gang managed to steal jewelry worth $102 million and escape within minutes. An official review after the incident found that the museum's security systems were outdated and its infrastructure needed repairs. To address these issues, the museum will use the extra money from ticket sales to upgrade security and renovate old parts of the building. From January 14, visitors from outside the European Economic Area, which includes EU countries, Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein, will pay an extra €10 for entry. Groups with accredited guides will also see their ticket prices rise to €28.

The Louvre is the most visited museum in the world, and it often struggles with overcrowding. Many visitors complain about long lines and packed galleries, especially in the room where the Mona Lisa is displayed. French President Emmanuel Macron and the museum announced plans to improve the visitor experience, including higher fees for non-EU residents in the future. Most of the museum's 30,000 daily visitors rush to see the Mona Lisa, making the gallery very crowded. The museum also plans to renovate other areas and add new amenities like toilets and restaurants, which will cost several hundred million euros. Recently, the Louvre closed a gallery that displayed Greek ceramics, and an investigation found that the museum had spent more on buying new art than on maintaining and restoring its current collection. Security has been increased, with more guards and police officers patrolling the area to keep visitors safe.