"Paris' Louvre museum has approved a ticket hike from 22 to 32 euros ($25 to $37) for non-European visitors from January to help finance an overhaul of the building whose degradation has been exposed by the Oct. 19 crown jewels heist. The measure comes as other major cultural sites across the country, including the Palace of Versailles, are considering similar moves to bring extra money needed for costly maintenance and renovation."
"In 2024, the Louvre welcomed 8.7 millions visitors, 77% of them foreigners. Top nationalities include people from the U.S. (13%), China (6%) and Britain (5%), who will be affected by the price hikes. Earlier this month, Louvre director Laurence des Cars announced more than 20 emergency measures have started being implemented following the robbery. She said the Louvre's latest overhaul in the 1980s is now technically obsolete."
"The Louvre ticketing changes come as part of a decade-long plan to modernize the museum. Security breaches that allowed the 88 million-euro ($102 million) theft highlighted the urgency of the situation. On Friday, a suspect in the Louvre robbery was handed preliminary charges of theft by an organized gang and criminal conspiracy, the Paris prosecutor said Friday, meaning all four alleged members of the team caught on camera stealing the jewels are in custody."
The Louvre will raise admission for non-European Union nationals from €22 to €32 starting Jan. 14, with exemptions for Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway under the EEA. The hike aims to finance an estimated €800 million "Louvre New Renaissance" modernization to update infrastructure, ease crowding and create a dedicated Mona Lisa gallery by 2031. Security breaches that enabled an €88 million crown jewels theft underscored the urgency for improved security and renovation. The museum welcomed 8.7 million visitors in 2024, 77% foreign, with Americans, Chinese and British visitors particularly affected. Similar French cultural sites are considering comparable fee increases.
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