Beginning Wednesday, visitors to the Louvre in Paris from outside the European Union will face a 45% increase in entrance fees compared to their European counterparts. This measure aims to support the renovation efforts of the iconic museum.
As part of these new financial measures at the world’s most visited museum, staff will check IDs at the entrance to determine ticket prices. The Louvre welcomed 9 million visitors in 2025.
The cost for non-European visitors will rise from 22 euros (about $26) to 32 euros (roughly $37).
This change represents one of Europe’s more noticeable implementations of “dual pricing” for museums, a practice that charges visitors different rates depending on their country of origin.
While common in various developing nations, this practice has been relatively rare in Europe and has drawn criticism for being discriminatory, potentially limiting access for some low-income tourists to see the Mona Lisa. The museum made headlines last year following a significant jewelry theft.
Foreign tourists can also expect identity checks at other major sites, including the Palace of Versailles and the National Opera Theater in Paris, as noted by AFP.
The French government’s justification for this price hike hinges on financial needs, projecting it could generate between 20 and 30 million euros annually solely for the Louvre’s renovations, especially after it sustained damage from a major burglary last October.
Union representatives at the Louvre have criticized the policy as “shocking on a philosophical, social and human level,” pointing to growing grievances that recently led to strike actions.
As a consistently top-ranked museum globally, the Louvre draws millions each year, famed for its extensive collections featuring works like the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, and the Nike of Samothrace.
Minors from all countries and Europeans under the age of 26 will still enjoy free admission.
