PARIS – The world-famous Louvre Museum unexpectedly shut its doors on Monday as staff members went on strike, raising serious concerns about overcrowding and poor working conditions caused by mass tourism.
Thousands of confused visitors, many holding pre-booked tickets, were left waiting outside the iconic glass pyramid entrance. Workers refused to take up their posts, citing unmanageable crowds, understaffing, and deteriorating building conditions as key reasons behind the protest.
Despite President Emmanuel Macron’s recent announcement of a €700–800 million renovation plan to upgrade the museum by 2031, staff say the changes are too far off. They argue that immediate help is needed to reduce pressure and protect both visitors and employees.
At the center of the chaos is the Mona Lisa, which alone attracts up to 20,000 visitors daily. Staff claim the experience has turned into a “physical ordeal,” with long queues, extreme heat under the glass pyramid, and neglected visitor facilities.
Meanwhile, the Louvre’s annual state funding has dropped by over 20% in the past decade, even as visitor numbers surged to 8.7 million last year. Staff argue that despite the renovation plans, day-to-day support and maintenance have been ignored.
Although a partial reopening may take place with limited access to major artworks, the museum will remain closed on Tuesday. Talks between staff and management are ongoing, with no clear end yet to the strike.