Sadly thrust into the limelight a few weeks ago following its incredible theft, the Louvre is undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist sites in Paris. People go there to see the Mona Lisa, of course, but also to discover impressive paintings and works of art from all over the world, spread over 73,000 m². But recently, the museum announced a price increase that won’t please everyone… In January 2026, admission for non-European visitors will rise from 22 euros to 32 euros... This will make the museum one of the most expensive tourist sites in Europe.
The Louvre: Europe’s most expensive museum?
Ten euros! That’s the leap forward in the price of admission to the Louvre. The increase will apply to non-European visitors only, from January 14. An increase of 45% should generate “between 15 and 20 million euros” in additional revenue per year. A significant boost, which should benefit the museum, which will be able to continue its renovation work and correct some major “structural problems”. On the other hand, there will be no increase for French and European visitors, who will still be able to wander the aisles of the Louvre for the modest sum of 22 euros.
With this latest increase, the Louvre is now one of the most expensive cultural sites on the Old Continent, surpassing some of the world’s finest museums such as the Uffizi Gallery in Florence (29 euros) or the Prado Museum in Madrid (15 euros). And it’s not just the Louvre that’s planning to raise its prices. According to RTL, the Château de Versailles, home of the Sun King, is planning to increase its ticket prices by three euros for non-European visitors… A decision that has yet to be validated!