The Louvre in Paris was forced to close on Monday after museum docents, ticket sellers, and security workers staged a spontaneous strike to protest overcrowding and understaffing during the city's busiest tourist season. The walkout, announced during a routine internal meeting, left visitors frustrated and confused. Union representative Sarah Sefian of CGT-Culture said most staff planned to strike for the full day, though some might return to open a limited "masterpiece route" for ticket holders to see the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. The museum typically closes on Tuesdays, and workers may return Wednesday.
The strike underscores the Louvre's struggle with its own popularity: it welcomed 8.7 million visitors last year, but staff say conditions have reached a "breaking point." The action comes months after director Laurence des Cars issued a leaked memo warning of water leaks, overcrowding, and damage to museum spaces. President Emmanuel Macron subsequently announced the "Louvre New Renaissance" renovation plan, including a dedicated room for the Mona Lisa and a new entrance, estimated at €700–800 million and set for completion by 2031. But striking workers argue they cannot wait six years for relief, highlighting a growing tension between ambitious institutional plans and the immediate needs of frontline staff.