PARIS – The Louvre Museum in Paris announced a 45 per cent increase in ticket prices for most non-European Union tourists to help fund ongoing renovations and bolster security following a recent high-profile theft.
Read More: Louvre hikes entry fees 45% for non-EU tourists
Visitors from outside the EU or European Economic Area, including Britons, will have to pay 32 euros ($37) starting January 14, a museum spokesperson said.
The price hike comes after four burglars stole crown jewels worth $102 million from the museum in broad daylight on October 19. The daring heist exposed significant security gaps, prompting authorities to board up broken windows and partially close one wing due to structural concerns.
Louvre to Raise Ticket Prices for Non EU Visitors from €22 to €32 to Fund Major Renovations After Jewel Heist pic.twitter.com/kkiNzq7eM4
— Dubai | دبي (@dubai) November 28, 2025
France’s state auditor has urged the Louvre to prioritize security over acquisitions. The museum plans to install 100 external cameras by the end of 2026 as part of a six-year renovation project, officials said. The upgrades aim to prevent incidents like the theft of Empress Eugenie’s crown, which was dropped during the robbery.
Nearly nine million people visited the Louvre last year, with foreign tourists accounting for almost three-quarters of the total. The ticket increase is projected to generate an additional 15-20 million euros annually, providing much-needed funding for both security measures and the museum’s long-term restoration.
The Louvre will raise its ticket price to €32 ($37, £28) instead of €22 for non-EU visitors in 2026. Necessary measure or barrier for international tourists?
What do you think? ↓#Louvre #Museum #Culture
https://t.co/aDY19n7lmJ pic.twitter.com/dKLJ0CzhXw— ArtMajeur (@artmajeur) November 28, 2025
Other major French cultural sites are also expected to follow suit with price increases next year, including the Palace of Versailles, the Gothic-style Sainte Chapelle, the Paris Opera House, and Chambord Chateau in the Loire Valley.
Read More: Two more suspects charged in $102 million Louvre heist
The Louvre remains one of the world’s most visited museums, and officials say the renovations will not only safeguard priceless art and artifacts but also improve visitor experience and ensure that security standards meet modern expectations.