World's most-visited Louvre Museum faces unexpected forced closure: Details
The Louvre Pyramid designed by Chinese-born US architect Ieoh Ming Pei in Paris as the Louvre museum reopens its doors to the public after more than 6 months of closure due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak in France, May 19, 2021. PHOTO: REUTERS
A spontaneous strike at the Louvre Museum on Monday caused the world's most-visited museum to close, as workers protested overcrowding and what they described as 'untenable' working conditions.
Frustrated by the overwhelming number of visitors and chronic understaffing, staff members, including gallery attendants, ticket agents, and security personnel, walked off the job, halting operations for most of the day.
Visitors, many holding tickets in hand, were left stranded and confused, with long lines forming beneath the iconic glass pyramid. 'It's the Mona Lisa moan out here,' said Kevin Ward, a tourist from Milwaukee. 'Thousands of people waiting, no communication, no explanation. I guess even she needs a day off.' The Louvre has long struggled with overtourism, and this latest disruption highlights the severe pressure the institution faces due to its immense popularity.
This strike, while rare, follows similar walkouts in 2019 and 2013, with workers citing overcrowding and safety concerns. The Louvre, however, has never shut down so unexpectedly, in full view of visitors. The protest also coincides with President Emmanuel Macron's recent announcement of a comprehensive 10-year renovation plan for the museum. The 'Louvre New Renaissance' blueprint, which aims to address issues such as water leaks, temperature fluctuations, and overcrowding, has yet to address the workers' immediate concerns. Staff members, such as Sarah Sefian from the CGT-Culture union, have expressed frustration with the delay, stating, 'We can't wait six years for help. Our teams are under pressure now.'
The strike centered on the overcrowding at the museum, particularly around the Mona Lisa, where around 20,000 visitors daily crowd into the Salle des États to view the famous painting. The scene has often become chaotic, with many visitors focused more on taking photos than appreciating the artwork. In response, Macron's renovation plan promises a dedicated room for the Mona Lisa, accessible via timed-entry tickets.
Despite these plans, Louvre workers are concerned that the museum's ongoing issues are being neglected while visitor numbers continue to soar. The strike serves as a loud reminder of the pressures faced by the museum, whose infrastructure was not designed to accommodate such high foot traffic. Last year, the Louvre welcomed 8.7 million visitors, far exceeding its capacity. As the museum navigates these challenges, workers continue to demand immediate action to address their working conditions, rather than waiting for the proposed long-term solutions.
The Louvre's closure on Monday was temporary, with some workers agreeing to open a limited 'masterpiece route' later in the day. The full museum is expected to reopen by Wednesday, though Tuesday is a scheduled closure.
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