Ticket prices for the Louvre museum in Paris will increase by 45% for most non-European Union visitors, effective early next year. Visitors from countries such as the US, UK, and China will pay €32 ($37; £28) to enter the museum. This price adjustment is anticipated to generate between €15 million and €20 million annually to support plans for modernization of the museum, which has faced scrutiny regarding its security and infrastructure.
The decision follows a high-profile theft in October, where a group stole jewelry worth $102 million and managed to escape swiftly, prompting an official audit. This audit revealed deficiencies in the museum’s security measures and mentioned that its infrastructure was aging. Starting from January 14, 2024, individuals from countries outside the European Economic Area will see the new entry fee implemented, while those in accredited guided groups will need to pay €28.
In 2022, the Louvre attracted nearly 9 million visitors, with a significant portion coming from abroad—over 10% from the US and nearly 6% from China. The museum has faced ongoing concerns about crowd capacity, with visitors often experiencing congested galleries and long waiting times. Previous statements from French President Emmanuel Macron indicated plans for improvements, including potential higher fees for non-EU visitors in 2026 and the relocation of the Mona Lisa to alleviate overcrowding at its current display location.
Further renovations are also planned within the museum, aiming to enhance visitor experience by adding facilities such as restrooms and restaurants, with total projected costs estimated in the several hundred million euro range. Recently, a gallery featuring Greek ceramics was closed due to structural issues, highlighting ongoing challenges related to maintenance in contrast to the museum’s expenditure on acquiring new artworks.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clyd4llgrego?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss