The Louvre Museum, the world's largest museum, is officially set to become one of Europe's most expensive tourist destinations following a dramatic 45% price increase for non-European visitors. Starting January 14, 2026, admission tickets for international visitors from outside Europe will jump from €22 to €32, giving tourists only a few weeks to take advantage of current pricing before the substantial hike takes effect.
This cold shock particularly affects visitors from non-European countries, while French and European Union citizens will continue to enjoy access at the current rate of €22. The €10 increase represents a significant financial barrier for international tourists who have long flocked to the Paris landmark to see the famous Mona Lisa and explore the museum's impressive collection of paintings and artworks from around the world spread across 73,000 square meters.
The substantial price increase is expected to generate an additional €15 to €20 million in annual revenue for the museum. This financial boost will provide crucial support for the Louvre's ongoing renovation projects and help address major structural problems that the institution has been facing. Museum officials have positioned the price hike as a necessary step to maintain and improve the facility while continuing to preserve its world-renowned collection.
With this new pricing structure, the Louvre will rank among Europe's most expensive cultural sites, surpassing some of the world's most prestigious museums. The new €32 admission fee will exceed the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, which charges €29, and significantly outpace the Prado Museum in Madrid, where tickets cost €15. This positioning places the Louvre at the premium end of European cultural tourism pricing.
The Louvre is not alone in considering price adjustments for international visitors. According to RTL reports, the Palace of Versailles, the former residence of the Sun King, is contemplating a €3 increase for non-European visitors, though this decision has not yet been officially validated or implemented.
The timing of this announcement comes just weeks after the Louvre was thrust into the spotlight following a dramatic theft incident that captured international attention. Despite such challenges, the museum remains one of Paris's most popular tourist destinations, attracting millions of visitors annually who come to experience its unparalleled collection of art and cultural treasures from civilizations around the globe.
