In France, the Louvre museum announced a significant increase in ticket prices for non-European Union visitors. Beginning January 14, 2026, the rate will rise from €22 to €32, which represents a 45% increase. This decision comes in the wake of various challenges facing the museum, including criticism regarding its security measures following a high-profile jewelry heist in October 2025. The heist exposed vulnerabilities in the museum's infrastructure, prompting an urgent need for financial resources to address these issues. The Louvre is not just a historic treasure; it is also the most visited museum in the world, welcoming nearly 9 million visitors last year. A large portion of these visitors are from the United States, the United Kingdom, and China, accounting for significant revenue. Increasing ticket prices aims to generate additional funds necessary for the extensive renovation plans that include improvements to guest amenities, upgrades to security systems, and construction of a dedicated gallery for the famous Mona Lisa. Earlier this year, French President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged the museum's challenges and outlined a decade-long renovation strategy, emphasizing the need for improvements within the museum. This plan aims to modernize the infrastructure, address the current overcrowding issue, and improve the overall visitor experience. Critics have pointed out that while the museum has invested significantly in acquiring new art pieces, much less attention has been given to maintenance and restoration, leading to the current crisis. In the wake of the October theft, the Louvre's management and security have also focused on enhancing security measures, launching over 20 emergency actions to safeguard its artworks and enhance visitor safety. Along with ticket price increases, the institution will streamline visitor flow with better crowd management strategies. The renovations are projected to cost several hundred million euros, with a long-term vision to rejuvenate the iconic museum and create a more welcoming environment for its increasing number of visitors.