British Culture Secretary Chris Bryant criticised French minister’s proposals to impose extra charges on non-European Union visitors to Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral and other museums.
The criticism comes after French Culture Minister Rachida Dati stated she is keen to raise entrance fees to the Louvre, where the Mona Lisa is kept. Dati wants to charge visitors for the first entrance to the Cathedral of Our Lady of Paris. She told Le Figaro: “My position is very clear – I want visitors from outside the EU to pay more for their entrance ticket and for this supplement to finance the renovation of the national heritage.”
The measure may lead to an increase in the cost of visiting the Louvre from the current 22 euros to around 25-30 euros for Britons and other non-EU visitors. In addition, the minister aims to make a surcharge for visits to Versailles and the Musée d’Orsay art gallery.
Hi there France. Fully understand the problem with financing cultural heritage but I hear you’re thinking of premium charging non-EU visitors to the Louvre. UK national galleries and museums like @britishmuseum @NationalGallery are FREE to all. You’re welcome. Je vous en prie, Bryant said on X.
Labour Party Culture Minister Chris Smith made entry to UK museums free shortly after his party’s convincing victory in the 1997 general election.
