Newsroom
If you’re traveling to Paris from outside Europe, seeing the Louvre’s masterpieces now costs €32 instead of €22, a jump the museum says is necessary to fund renovations but one that has some visitors fuming.
The famous museum’s new pricing, effective mid-January 2026, applies to most visitors from outside the European Union, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. European residents continue to pay the lower fee, while students and certain other groups remain eligible for discounts or free entry.
Museum officials say the extra revenue, expected to bring in €15 million to €20 million a year, will help fund a major modernization of facilities, improve security and manage long-standing issues such as overcrowding and infrastructure wear. The museum’s security measures were notably scrutinized after a high-profile daylight theft of French crown jewels last year.
“The goal is to keep this historic site safe and sustainable for decades to come,” a Louvre spokesperson said.
Reactions among tourists have been mixed. Some say the new price is still reasonable given the Louvre’s global fame. “It’s expensive,” said a student from South Korea visiting the museum. “But you are paying to see the world’s best art.” Others were less forgiving. “It’s not fair that my nationality affects what I pay,” said a visitor from Venezuela.
Critics have also questioned the principle of “dual pricing,” arguing that it makes access to one of the world’s most important cultural institutions feel less inclusive. Supporters, however, contend that tourists who do not contribute to local taxes should shoulder a larger share of costs.
Despite the price increase, long queues remained at the Louvre’s iconic glass pyramid entrance this week, as visitors pressed on with plans to see works like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo.
The Louvre’s decision is part of a broader trend among major European cultural sites, including the Palace of Versailles, which are considering or implementing higher entry fees for non-European tourists to help cover rising operating costs.
For travelers planning a visit, museum officials recommend checking eligibility for reduced or free tickets and noting that prices vary depending on age, group type, and special programs.
