Additional Coverage:
Louvre Staff Shutters Museum Doors Over Unmanageable Crowds
PARIS – The Louvre, renowned as the world’s most visited museum and a global icon of art and history, closed unexpectedly Monday due to staff protests. Workers cited overwhelming crowds, chronic understaffing, and unsustainable working conditions as the reasons for the spontaneous strike.
The walkout, which occurred during an internal meeting, left thousands of tourists stranded outside the iconic glass pyramid, tickets in hand. The closure underscores the growing problem of overtourism at major cultural attractions worldwide.
“It’s the Mona Lisa moan out here,” quipped one frustrated visitor, referencing the museum’s most famous resident. “Thousands of people waiting, no communication… I guess even she needs a day off.”
The Louvre has faced similar closures in the past due to war, the pandemic, and previous strikes over overcrowding and safety concerns. However, this incident highlights the urgent need to address the museum’s aging infrastructure and overwhelming visitor numbers, which exceeded 8.7 million last year – more than double its intended capacity.
Staff complaints include insufficient rest areas, limited bathroom facilities, and intense summer heat exacerbated by the pyramid’s design. The throngs of visitors, particularly those crowding around the Mona Lisa, further contribute to the difficult working conditions.
A recently announced renovation plan, the “Louvre New Renaissance,” aims to alleviate these issues over the next decade. The plan includes a dedicated room for the Mona Lisa with timed entry, a new entrance, and upgrades to address leaking roofs, temperature fluctuations, and inadequate visitor amenities. However, for the protesting staff, these improvements feel far off.
“We can’t wait six years for help,” stated a union representative. “Our teams are under pressure now.”
Negotiations between staff and management are ongoing. The museum’s reopening date remains uncertain.
The planned renovations, estimated to cost up to $930 million, will likely be funded through a combination of increased ticket prices (especially for non-EU tourists), private donations, state funds, and licensing fees.