Louvre Museum to hike ticket prices for non-EU visitors by 45%

The Louvre Museum’s board in Paris has approved a 45% increase in ticket prices for most visitors from countries outside the European Union.

Starting next year, tourists from the U.S., U.K., China, and other non-EU countries will pay €32 to enter, a hike expected to generate millions of euros annually to fund the gallery’s modernization, BBC reports.

The museum’s management and security have faced criticism following a brazen October heist, during which a four-person gang stole jewelry worth $102 million and escaped within minutes. An official audit published after the robbery highlighted the museum’s outdated security systems and aging infrastructure.

From January 14, visitors from outside the European Economic Area—which includes EU member states, Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein—will pay an additional €10 to enter the world’s most visited museum.

Last year, the Louvre welcomed nearly 9 million visitors, most of whom came from abroad. Over a tenth were from the U.S., while around 6% came from China.

For years, there have been calls to address overcrowding at the museum, as guests often complain about congested galleries and long lines.

In January, French President Emmanuel Macron and Louvre officials announced plans to improve the museum, including raising fees for non-EU residents in 2026. Macron also stated that the Mona Lisa will be moved to a new space to ease crowding.