Louvre Museum To Raise Ticket Prices For Non-EU Visitors From January 2026

The Louvre Museum in Paris will raise ticket prices by 45 per cent for visitors from outside the European Union starting in January 2026. The updated rates, confirmed by the museum and staff unions to AFP, will apply to tourists from countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, China and others beyond the EU's single market. The increase is intended to generate additional revenue for security improvements and essential maintenance, following recent incidents that have captured global attention. Most notably, the Louvre, home to priceless masterpieces including the Mona Lisa, was the scene of a dramatic daylight jewellery heist, exposing serious gaps in its surveillance systems.

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Louvre Ticket Price Hike: What You Need To Know

• New Ticket Prices: Starting 14 January, visitors from Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway will pay €32 (Rs 3,310) - an increase of €10 compared to the current price of €22.
• Who Will Pay More: Tourists from countries outside the EU's single market, such as the US, UK and China, will also face the revised rates.
• Who Is Exempt: European visitors, including those from Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, will continue to pay the existing ticket price.

Interesting Things To Do At The Louvre

The Louvre, housed in the former royal palace, is one of the world's greatest cultural landmarks - a true treasure trove of history and art. Originally built as a fortress in the 12th century, it later became a royal palace before opening as a museum in 1793. For centuries, it safeguarded royal art collections, and today it stands as a symbol of artistic heritage.

1. Explore The Louvre Palace And Its Collections

Step inside and discover an extraordinary collection of over 35,000 works, spanning from antiquity to the mid-19th century. Among its most famous masterpieces are Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace.

The museum's database lists more than 500,000 works, including pieces from French kings and treasures preserved since the French Revolution. Don't miss the iconic glass pyramid, added in 1989, which has become a modern architectural symbol of the Louvre.

2. Enjoy Lively Activities

The Louvre isn't just about historic art - it's a dynamic space offering contemporary installations, behind-the-scenes experiences, and seasonal exhibitions throughout the year. There's always something new to explore beyond the permanent collections.

3. Relax In The Gardens

Surrounding the museum are the Carrousel and Tuileries Gardens, part of the National Estate of the Musee du Louvre. These beautifully landscaped spaces are perfect for a leisurely stroll or family-friendly activities, providing a serene escape after exploring the galleries.

The Louvre Heist: A Bold Daylight Robbery

On 19 October, the Louvre Museum in Paris witnessed one of the most audacious thefts in recent history. Four thieves, disguised as construction workers, executed a highly coordinated daylight heist. Using a truck-mounted lift, they accessed a second-floor window, broke into the Galerie d'Apollon, and smashed display cases containing France's crown jewels.

The entire operation lasted under eight minutes. The gang fled on motorbikes with eight historic pieces valued at approximately Rs 900 crore. One damaged jewel was later recovered outside the museum. The stolen treasures included jewellery linked to Napoleon I, Marie-Louise of Austria, Queen Marie-Amelie, and Empress Eugenie - irreplaceable artefacts of French heritage.

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A massive investigation involving over 100 officers led to multiple arrests. By late November, all suspected members of the robbery team had been charged.