B2 – Upper Intermediate
The Louvre Museum in Paris has recently drawn attention for changes to its ticketing policy. The decision has sparked conversations about fairness, accessibility, and how cultural institutions balance welcoming international visitors with maintaining their operations.
Let’s read the article and explore the different perspectives surrounding this change.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/clyd4llgrego
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “structural concern” mean? “Earlier this month, the Louvre announced the closure of a gallery showcasing Greek ceramics due to structural concerns.” Use it in your own sentence.
- Define the phrase “a brazen heist“. “The museum’s security and management have faced criticism since a brazen heist in October, when a four-person gang stole jewellery worth $102m (£76m) and fled within minutes.” Use it in your own sentence.
- What is the meaning of the verb “flock“? “Most of the Louvre’s 30,000 daily visitors flock to see Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece.” Use it in a sentence and give two synonyms.
Discussion Questions:
- What’s your perspective on the Louvre charging higher entrance fees to non-European tourists?
- What’s your reaction to this, “The investigation after October’s heist found the museum had spent significantly more on buying new artworks, but far less on maintenance and restoration.“?
- In what ways could setting ticket prices by nationality influence fairness, accessibility, or tourism?
- Have you been to Paris? If so, did you visit the Louvre? If not, would you like to visit someday?
- Can you share an experience where the cost of an attraction influenced your travel plans or feelings about the trip?