PARIS (AP) — The Louvre museum in Paris has greenlit a price increase for non-European visitors, raising tickets from 22 to 32 euros ($25 to $37) starting in January. This adjustment aims to fund renovations for the structure, the deterioration of which has been brought to light by the Oct. 19 crown jewels heist.
TL;DR
- Louvre museum tickets increase to 32 euros for non-EU visitors starting January.
- Price hike funds renovations, highlighted by the Oct. 19 crown jewels heist.
- The Louvre's ten-year refurbishment plan, "Louvre New Renaissance," costs 800 million euros.
- Security lapses enabled the 88 million euro heist; emergency measures are underway.
Earlier this year, French President Emmanuel Macron unveiled the initiative as part of a ten-year strategy for the museum's refurbishment and enlargement. The pressing need for action was underscored by security lapses that enabled the theft of 88 million euros ($102 million).
Starting January 14th, individuals not from The European Union will face an additional charge of 10 euros. This adjustment was sanctioned on Thursday by The Louvre's administrative council. Citizens of Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway, nations party to the European Economic Area accord, will be exempt from this price increase.
In 2024, the Louvre welcomed 8.7 millions visitors, 77% of them foreigners. Top nationalities include people from the U.S. (13%), China (6%) and Britain (5%) who are affected by the price hikes.
Earlier this month, Louvre director Laurence des Cars announced more than 20 emergency measures have started being implemented following the robbery. She said the Louvre’s latest overhaul in the 1980s is now technically obsolete.
The expense for the proposed “Louvre New Renaissance” initiative is projected to reach 800 million euros ($933 million) for upgrading facilities, alleviating congestion, and providing the famed Mona Lisa with its own exhibition space by 2031.
On October 19th, individuals broke into the Apollo Gallery by forcing entry through a window, utilizing a freight lift. They employed power tools to breach display cases and absconded with the stolen items via scooters, completing the act in under eight minutes.
On Tuesday, the Paris prosecutor revealed four more arrests in connection with the heist. Authorities have the ability to detain the two males and two females for interrogation up until Saturday, at which point a judge will determine if preliminary charges should be filed.
