Long queues underneath the glass pyramid designed by I.M. Pei in Paris have become synonymous with the visit to the iconic Mona Lisa. The Louvre has decided to increase the entry fees for most non-European visitors by almost 45%, raising the price from 22 euros to 32 euros ($51 Cdn). This decision is part of a national strategy to implement varying pricing policies at major cultural sites like the Versailles Palace, the Paris Opera, and the Sainte-Chapelle.
The move has faced criticism from French worker unions, who argue that it goes against the universal accessibility mission of the world-renowned museum housing masterpieces like the Venus de Milo and the Winged Victory of Samothrace. Despite the price hike, workers staged another strike recently over issues related to pay and working conditions, highlighting the ongoing internal challenges at the institution.
The revised pricing structure targets visitors from non-EU countries, including the United States, which constitutes a significant portion of the Louvre’s international tourists. Individuals outside Europe, as well as guided groups exceeding 20 people, will now have to pay the increased rate. While some tourists expressed concerns about the fairness of the new pricing, others, like Canadian tourist Allison Moore, emphasized that they would still visit the Louvre as it remains a major attraction in Paris.
The Louvre aims to use the additional revenue generated from the higher ticket prices to fund its modernization project, “Louvre — New Renaissance,” potentially bringing in an extra 20 million euros annually. The decision to raise fees for visitors from outside Europe was being considered even before the recent theft of French Crown Jewels valued at approximately 88 million euros from the museum, prompting discussions on security and funding for cultural institutions.
The Louvre’s struggles with mass tourism and internal issues have been highlighted in public several times, with strikes and concerns over overcrowding and working conditions. The museum’s workers have been vocal about the challenges they face, leading to ongoing debates over how major landmarks should be maintained and funded. This move aligns with similar pricing adjustments at other popular European attractions like Versailles and Sainte-Chapelle.