Louvre Sees Significant Drop in Attendance During Paris Olympics
While the Paris Olympics drew crowds to venues like the Château de Versailles and Eiffel Tower Stadium, the Louvre experienced a significant drop in visitors. During the Games, from July 27 to August 11, attendance at the world’s most visited museum fell by 22% compared to the same period in 2023. The Louvre recorded a weekly attendance of 331,759 people, averaging 23,644 visitors per day.
Pre-Olympic Decline: Visitor Numbers Plummet in July
The decline began even before the Olympics. Between July 15 and 26, only 166,604 people visited the Louvre, marking a 45% decrease from the same period last year. The museum’s closure for the Olympic Games’ opening ceremony on July 25 and 26 also contributed to the lower numbers.
Security Measures and Closures Contribute to Decreased Foot Traffic
The Louvre’s spokesperson attributed the decrease to the heightened security measures implemented during the nine days leading up to the Games. These measures included restricted access to the Seine quays, the closure of most bridges, and the shutdown of certain metro and RER stations, making it more difficult for visitors to reach the museum.
Louvre’s 2024 Attendance Figures Reflect Broader Challenges
As of August 2024, the Louvre’s overall visitor numbers stand at just over 5 million, reflecting a 4% decline from the previous year. Earlier this year, the museum increased its basic ticket price from $19 to $24.50 to subsidize free admission programs for certain visitors. This was the first price hike since 2017 and was also necessary to offset a nearly 90% increase in energy bills.
This price adjustment is part of a broader strategy by the Louvre’s director, Laurence des Cars, to manage attendance. In 2023, the museum welcomed 8.9 million visitors, securing its status as the world’s most visited museum.
Impact of the Paris Olympics on Louvre Attendance
The decline in visitor numbers at the Louvre highlights the impact of the Paris Olympics on local attractions. While the city’s sports venues saw a surge in attendance, the museum, which typically draws large crowds, faced a significant drop. The combination of security measures and temporary closures played a major role in deterring potential visitors.
As the Louvre looks to recover from this dip in attendance, its focus remains on maintaining its status as a global cultural icon while navigating the challenges posed by external events and operational costs.
