Last Updated:June 17, 2025, 12:39 IST
The Louvre, one of the world’s most visited museums, came to an abrupt halt on Monday.
The Louvre in Paris closed as staff protested unbearable conditions from surging tourist numbers. (AI Generated Image)
A holiday in Paris is incomplete without a trip to the Louvre. The iconic art museum is home to some of the most stunning pieces of art, including the Mona Lisa. However, on Monday, the museum came to an abrupt halt as its staff walked off the job, protesting what they described as unbearable working conditions amid surging tourist numbers.
Crowds of visitors hoping to catch a glimpse of iconic works like the Mona Lisa were instead met with motionless lines outside the The Louvre’s famed glass pyramid structure. What began as a routine meeting escalated into a full-blown strike, with museum workers – including ticket clerks, gallery attendants, and security – refusing to return to their posts. Their primary complaint: extreme overcrowding and inadequate support, which have made daily operations physically and mentally exhausting.
This is not the first time Louvre employees have taken collective action. Similar walkouts occurred in 2013 and 2019, but according to union representatives, the pressure has never been more intense. The museum welcomed more than 8.7 million visitors last year, straining both its infrastructure and its workforce.
Reports suggest that staff are grappling with a lack of adequate rest areas, outdated facilities, and a building ill-equipped to handle such volumes. According to The Washington Post, Louvre President Laurence des Cars admitted in an internal memo that sections of the historic building are no longer weatherproof. Fluctuating temperatures, she warned, risk damaging priceless artworks. She described the museum environment as “a physical ordeal” for both employees and guests.
A Grand Plan, but No Immediate Relief
To address long-standing concerns, French President Emmanuel Macron recently revealed a sweeping ten-year overhaul called the ‘Louvre New Renaissance.’ This plan includes a new dedicated entrance for the Mona Lisa, which alone attracts around 20,000 visitors daily to the Salle des États, according to the Associated Press.
While the initiative aims to modernise the museum over time, staff argue that it fails to address urgent problems. With no short-term solutions in sight, the Louvre now finds itself at a crossroads: an international cultural landmark buckling under the weight of its popularity.
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