Paris, December 17, 2025 – Staff at the Louvre Museum, the world’s most visited museum, have unanimously voted to extend their strike, leaving the museum closed until further notice. The strike, which began on Monday, is focused on pay, working conditions, and staffing shortages, highlighting ongoing operational challenges at the iconic Paris landmark.

The museum is regularly closed on Tuesdays, but the strike has effectively halted access for visitors on additional days, disrupting tourism and cultural activities in the French capital.

Background: Security Concerns and Infrastructure Issues

The strike follows a spectacular jewel heist in October 2025, when thieves made off with crown jewels valued at 88 million euros ($103.14 million) in broad daylight. The incident drew global attention and intensified scrutiny of the museum’s security protocols and staffing adequacy.

In addition to security concerns, recent infrastructure problems have fueled staff grievances. Reports of a water leak damaging ancient books exposed weaknesses in building maintenance and highlighted the museum’s deteriorating state.

Union Demands

Unions, including CGT, CFDT Culture, and Sud Solidaires, have stated that Louvre employees are overworked and mismanaged, and are demanding:

• Higher salaries to reflect responsibilities
• Increased hiring to reduce workloads
• Better allocation of museum funding to support staff and infrastructure

Staff members have been vocal about the need for improved working conditions, citing a combination of aging facilities, understaffing, and heightened operational pressures following the October heist.

Response from Louvre Management

Louvre director Laurence des Cars, who has faced intense criticism since the October theft, is scheduled to answer questions from the French Senate regarding the museum’s security, staffing, and budgetary issues. The outcome of these discussions may influence the strike’s duration and negotiations between staff and management.

The strike underscores broader challenges facing major cultural institutions globally, where security, maintenance, and fair labor practices must be balanced with public accessibility and tourism demands.

Visitor Impact and Outlook

The extended strike leaves thousands of planned visitors without access to one of the world’s most famous museums. Analysts note that tourism and cultural revenue may be affected if the strike continues, emphasizing the importance of timely resolution.

While negotiations are ongoing, museum employees remain firm in their demands, with unions warning that the strike could continue until meaningful improvements in pay, staffing, and working conditions are implemented.