The Louvre Museum in Paris was forced to close its doors on Monday as museum staff staged a strike over worsening working conditions and pay, disappointing thousands of tourists who had planned to visit the world’s most famous art institution.

Strike Called by Louvre Staff

Trade unions representing nearly 400 Louvre employees—including CFDT, CGT, and Sud—announced the walkout, citing understaffing and excessive workloads due to rising visitor numbers. Staff said the museum has lost 200 full-time equivalent positions over 15 years, while visitor numbers have increased by 50% in the same period.

Christian Galani of the CGT told BFMTV:

“We need a change of approach regarding the priorities and urgent needs of the museum. The reception and security sectors are overstretched, and resources are insufficient.”

The strike is a response to mounting frustrations among employees who say they are struggling to cope with growing crowds without adequate support.

Recent Security and Maintenance Issues

The strike comes amid a series of setbacks for the Louvre. Nearly two months ago, French crown jewels valued at €88 million (£76m; $102m) were stolen, highlighting significant security vulnerabilities. Last week, a water leak damaged hundreds of books, raising further concerns about the museum’s infrastructure and safety measures.

Impact on Visitors

Tourists were caught off guard by the sudden closure. Minsoo Kim, visiting from Seoul on his honeymoon, expressed disappointment:

“The Louvre was the main reason for our visit in Paris because we wanted to see the Mona Lisa.”

London visitor Natalia Brown added:

“I’m disappointed, but I understand why they’re striking. It’s just unfortunate timing for us.”

Some tickets had already been purchased for Monday, leaving visitors unable to enter.

Next Steps

The unions stated that Louvre employees will gather on Wednesday to decide their next steps, leaving the possibility of continued disruptions.

The museum, which is typically closed on Tuesdays for maintenance, welcomed 8.7 million visitors in 2024, making it the most visited cultural site in the world.