Many foreign tourists now need to pay 10 euros more to visit the Louvre. The museum is in urgent need of funds for modernization and enhanced security measures. A relocation of the famous "Mona Lisa" is also being prepared soon.
The Louvre in Paris has raised ticket prices for visitors who are not citizens or residents of the European Economic Area (EU plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway). Starting from January 14, 2026, they will pay 32 euros, which is 10 euros more than others. The French government plans to allocate the funds raised for the costly renovation of the museum.
Foreign Tourists at the Louvre
The Louvre remains the most visited museum in the world. Last year, it welcomed nearly 9 million visitors, two-thirds of whom were foreign guests. The price increase will primarily affect American and Chinese tourists — the largest groups of overseas visitors.
History of the Louvre
The Louvre was once a royal palace, built and rebuilt since the late 12th century. It served as the official residence of French monarchs. After Louis XIV moved the court to Versailles and the events of the French Revolution, the museum opened its doors to the public in 1793.
Today, the Louvre occupies an area of about 73,000 square meters and includes nearly 13 kilometers of galleries. On five floors, about 35,000 works of art are displayed, covering ancient civilizations and European art. Among the most famous exhibits are the ancient sculptures "Venus de Milo" and "Winged Victory of Samothrace," paintings by Eugène Delacroix "Liberty Leading the People" and Théodore Géricault "The Raft of the Medusa," as well as works by Raphael, Rembrandt, Vermeer, Titian, Michelangelo, and the apartments of Napoleon III and royal jewels.
Particular attention is drawn to Leonardo da Vinci's "Portrait of Lisa Gherardini, wife of Francesco del Giocondo" — the "Mona Lisa." The museum even has special signs leading to the painting. In 1911, the canvas was stolen but was soon returned. Today, it is displayed behind bulletproof glass in the largest hall, next to works by Venetian masters of the 16th century. The museum's management has decided that the masterpiece will never be taken out of the palace.
Reasons for the Ticket Price Increase
As part of addressing the issue of excessive visitor congestion, especially around the "Mona Lisa," a separate pavilion with a dedicated entrance is planned to be built by 2031, where the painting will be housed. A ticket will be required to visit this pavilion.
This is part of a large-scale renovation and modernization of the Louvre, expected to take about 10 years. Plans include opening a second entrance, creating additional underground exhibition space, and updating the surrounding area. The cost of the work is estimated at over one billion euros.
Another significant issue remains security measures. This became particularly evident after a brazen robbery on October 19, 2025, when valuable historical jewelry was stolen during the day. The media criticized the museum's management for prioritizing expensive projects and renovations over security.
It is expected that the price increase for tickets will bring in an additional 20 to 30 million euros per year. Meanwhile, the number of visitors is projected to continue growing — from 9 million to nearly 12 million annually.
How to Enter the Louvre for Free
The museum is open daily except Tuesdays. Entry is free for everyone under 18, as well as for citizens and residents of EU and EEA countries aged up to 26. Every first Friday of the month after 6 PM (except July and August) and on July 14, Bastille Day, entry is free for all. All visitors, including those eligible for a free ticket, are encouraged to book their visit time on the museum's website and check for any changes.
Citizens and residents of the following countries: Germany, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Croatia, Denmark, Spain, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Czech Republic, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Sweden can purchase a ticket for 22 euros. For everyone else — 32 euros.
The ticket provides access to the permanent collections and temporary exhibitions of the Louvre, as well as to the National Museum of Eugène Delacroix on the day of or the day after the museum visit.
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