The world's most famous museum, home to the Mona Lisa, is now shut. Take a look at its iconic masterpieces

Economic Times

7 hours ago

Mona Lisa
Aphrodite, known as the Venus de Milo
The Winged Victory of Samothrace
The Pyramid
Great Sphinx of Tanis
Portrait of a Lady
For many, a trip to Paris isn't complete without stepping under the iconic glass pyramid of the Louvre Museum and witnessing masterpieces like the Mona Lisa or the Venus de Milo . But on Monday, instead of gazing at legendary artworks, thousands of confused tourists stood in long lines outside, tickets in hand, as the Louvre—the world's most-visited museum—unexpectedly shut its doors. The cause? A sudden and unannounced strike by museum staff, who say they're buckling under the pressure of overwhelming crowds, insufficient staffing, and poor working conditions, according to an Associated Press report.The strike erupted during an internal meeting, and by afternoon, gallery attendants, security, and ticketing agents had all walked off the job. The iconic glass pyramid entrance became a symbol not of awe, but of frustration, as tourists were left staring in disbelief.While the shutdown made global headlines, it's a moment that reminds us why the Louvre remains such a draw for millions each year. Housing more than 35,000 works of art, the Louvre is not just a museum—it's a living chronicle of human creativity and history.Among its crown jewels is Leonardo da Vinci 's Mona Lisa, famously enigmatic and technically masterful. From her legendary smile to the delicate sfumato technique that gives the painting its misty atmosphere, the Mona Lisa has fascinated visitors for centuries.Then there's the Venus de Milo, discovered on the Greek island of Milos and gifted to the Louvre in 1821. With her missing arms and graceful posture, she became an instant icon of classical beauty and has remained a centrepiece ever since.Standing tall at the top of the Daru staircase is The Winged Victory of Samothrace , a breathtaking sculpture that once overlooked an ancient Greek sanctuary. Captured in motion with billowing drapery and powerful wings, the statue represents Goddess Nike, the messenger of victory.The Louvre itself is a work of art. The famed Pyramid, designed by I.M. Pei, once controversial, now stands as one of Paris's most photographed landmarks. What many don't realise is that the museum has not one but five pyramids, including two smaller glass pyramids and an inverted pyramid that illuminates the underground entrance near the Carrousel shopping centre, as per the Louvre website.Delving even deeper into history, visitors encounter the Great Sphinx of Tanis, an ancient Egyptian sculpture symbolising divine power and protection. With the body of a lion and the face of a pharaoh, it was designed to guard sacred spaces—a fitting metaphor for the museum itself.Also among the museum's priceless treasures is Leonardo's Portrait of a Lady, known as La Belle Ferronnière, a striking example of Renaissance portraiture that showcases Leonardo's unmatched ability to capture presence and personality.As per reports in the Associated Press, the museum might open on Wednesday.