Louvre Museum Increases Ticket Prices for Non-EU Visitors Following Major Jewel Heist

2 December 2025 Lifestyle

PARIS, France — December 2, 2025 — The Louvre Museum is raising ticket prices for visitors from outside the European Union as part of a response to a recent high-profile theft of jewels valued at $102 million, officials said. Beginning January 14, non-EU foreigners will be charged $37 for admission, up from the previous $25, marking a $12 increase.

The price adjustment follows a daylight heist on October 19, when a four-person team broke into the Apollo Gallery and stole eight jewels collectively worth 88 million euros, equivalent to $102 million. The museum is implementing more than 20 emergency security measures, including the installation of approximately 100 new cameras by the end of 2026 and the activation of anti-intrusion systems within weeks. Additionally, the Louvre has created a new position titled “security coordinator” to oversee these efforts.

Nearly 9 million people visited the Louvre in 2024, with 77% of those visitors being foreigners. Americans accounted for about 13% of the museum’s attendance, according to The Associated Press. The museum’s most famous attraction, the “Mona Lisa,” continues to draw large crowds.

The Louvre’s decision to increase prices specifically for non-EU visitors reflects a broader trend among cultural institutions and landmarks to adjust pricing structures and prioritize local or regional visitors amid rising security and operational costs. For example, the United States recently announced a new “America the Beautiful” pass, launching January 1, 2026, which offers U.S. residents annual access for $80, while nonresidents will pay $250.

These changes at the Louvre come as part of a heightened focus on security following the unprecedented theft, with officials emphasizing the need to protect the museum’s valuable collections while managing the financial impact of enhanced safety protocols.

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