The Louvre 2026 price increase has just been announced, and if you’re planning a trip to Paris with family or hosting relatives from outside Europe, it’s something worth knowing about. The Louvre Museum, along with several other major cultural sites, is preparing to introduce a higher entry price for visitors from outside the EU and EEA, starting 14 January 2026.
This change has been in discussion for months, but it’s now confirmed, and the details are clearer. Here’s what it actually means in practice.
What’s changing at the Louvre and when
From 14 January 2026, the Louvre 2026 price increase for non-EU visitors will officially come into effect. This will raise the standard admission fee for anyone who is not a citizen of the European Union or part of the European Economic Area (which includes Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway).
- The ticket price for non-EU/EEA visitors will rise to €32.
- That’s a €10 increase from the current standard price of €22 — roughly a 45% jump.
- Visitors from EU/EEA countries will continue paying the existing rate, with no price change for them.
This means that if you’re planning a family visit with relatives from abroad, the cost will now depend on where everyone’s from. A small, but important detail when you’re travelling with kids, grandparents, or friends coming from overseas.
Why the price hike and what it’s meant to fund
The Louvre price increase 2026 isn’t just about charging more for entry. It’s part of a wider effort to address financial and structural pressures that have been building for years. The museum’s infrastructure has suffered from long-term under-investment, from leaks to outdated systems, putting both the building and the art at risk.
- A dramatic catalyst was a daylight heist on 19 October 2025, when thieves broke into the museum and stole jewellery worth tens of millions. That theft exposed major security vulnerabilities and accelerated the urgency for renovation.
- The extra revenue from ticket sales (estimated at €15–20 million per year) is planned to fund structural repairs, improved security (including new cameras and safety systems), and a large-scale modernization initiative dubbed the “New Renaissance” for the Louvre.
- As part of the renovation plan, there are also proposals to reorganize certain exhibits (for instance, giving the Mona Lisa a dedicated gallery) and create a new visitor entrance to better handle crowd flow.
Which other museums and monuments may follow suit
The Louvre is the first major institution to implement this kind of differentiated pricing, but it likely won’t be the last. Several iconic French museums and monuments have already signalled that they may introduce similar pricing for non-EU visitors, including:
- Palace of Versailles
- Château de Chambord
- Opéra Garnier
- Conciergerie
- Arc de Triomphe
Early proposals suggest, for example, that Chambord could raise its non-European ticket price from around €19 to €29. At Versailles, a seasonal pricing structure for non-EU visitors is under consideration, with different rates for peak and off-peak periods.
Some of these venues are still discussing final details, but the direction is clear: France is moving toward a system where non-European visitors help cover a larger share of the cost of maintaining national heritage sites.
What this means for travelers (and families visiting Paris)
If you’re based in France or elsewhere in Europe, the Louvre price increase for non-EU visitors won’t affect your own museum budget. It may, however, change how you plan outings with visiting relatives. For families travelling from beyond the EU/EEA, it’s an extra cost to factor into the trip. A stay in Paris often includes several museum stops, so the price difference can add up quickly.
On the other hand, the update may bring some benefits. You could see shorter queues, better security, and more comfortable gallery spaces. And if it finally means a little more breathing room near the Mona Lisa, the overall experience might improve in the long run.
More on Paris
The Best Areas to Stay in Paris with Kids (and WHY!) – help with choosing the right neighbourhood to stay in.
Paris Itineraries with Kids – 8 free day itineraries that cover top attractions, family-friendly activities and restaurants.
Best Museums in Paris for Kids – selection of smaller museums that are perfect for visiting with kids.
What to do in Paris with kids on a rainy day – options for keeping children entertained and dry in the city.
Join me on Instagram to get more inspiration for things to do and see in Paris.
My Ultimate Guide to Paris with Kids is also packed with family-friendly tips and recommendations on things to see and do in Paris.
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