The Louvre Museum in Paris has decided to increase its basic admission fees by 29% next year, raising concerns about the rising costs faced by visitors to the French capital during the Olympic Games. The museum, home to the Mona Lisa and the most visited in the world, announced on Friday that entrance fees will rise in January from 17 euros to 22 euros (approximately $23.70). This is the first fee increase since 2017.
The museum explained that the price hike will help it cope with high energy costs and fund free entry for certain groups such as those under 18, teachers, and journalists. The museum did not mention the Olympics, but the increase in Louvre entry fees is expected to coincide with other rising costs in Paris as the city prepares to host the Olympics.
Metro ticket prices in Paris are also set to nearly double during the Olympic Games, which begin on July 26 of next year. Additionally, visitors heading to Paris next summer will face significant accommodation challenges due to rising hotel prices and stricter regulations on short-term rental properties. A report from the Paris tourism office indicated that hotel accommodation prices will increase by more than 300% from summer 2023 to summer 2024.
