France’s Louvre museum closed its doors Monday after staff refused to report to work, citing unsafe working conditions, excessive crowds, and severe understaffing. It was not a security threat or emergency that halted entry to the world’s most visited museum, but frustrated employees who say they can no longer manage the pressure.
The closure of France’s Louvre stunned thousands of tourists who gathered outside the iconic glass pyramid with no clear explanation. Though labor strikes have occasionally disrupted operations in the past, the scale and suddenness of this walkout left many confused, with long lines stretching across the plaza and little communication from inside.
Union representatives described the action as a spontaneous response to unmanageable daily conditions.
Workers, including gallery attendants, security personnel, and ticket agents, say the museum is overwhelmed by visitor numbers far beyond its capacity. One union called the situation “untenable.”
The disruption began during an internal meeting on Monday morning and quickly escalated into a full shutdown. By early afternoon, the museum remained closed as talks between staff and management continued.
“It’s not just about the art,” said Sarah Sefian of the CGT-Culture union. “It’s about the people protecting it.”
D’oh… the Louvre Museum in Paris is closed to a “strike” … bought our tickets today months ago – and they are offering refunds…. anyone know what’s really going on?
Is this some DaVinci code BS?? At least I got to pinch the pyramid! pic.twitter.com/1h1iDq26C9
— Andy Signore (@andysignore) June 16, 2025
The Louvre welcomed 8.7 million visitors last year, more than double what the building was originally designed to accommodate. Despite efforts to cap daily attendance at 30,000, employees report the museum has become physically exhausting to manage. Rest areas are few, bathrooms are limited, and the glass pyramid traps heat during warmer months, creating uncomfortable conditions.
In a leaked memo, Louvre President Laurence des Cars warned that parts of the museum are no longer watertight and that unstable indoor temperatures could threaten priceless artworks. She described the visitor experience as “a physical ordeal,” with basic services like signage, food, and restrooms falling short of international standards.
At the center of the crowd control issue is the Mona Lisa. Around 20,000 people squeeze into the museum’s largest gallery each day simply so they can glimpse or photograph the famed painting. Many barely notice the surrounding masterpieces by artists such as Titian and Veronese.
“You don’t see a painting. You see phones. You see elbows. You feel heat. And then, you’re pushed out,” said Ji-Hyun Park, a visitor from Seoul.
President Emmanuel Macron’s decade-long renovation project, announced earlier this year, aims to resolve these issues. Plans include building a new entrance near the Seine River and creating a dedicated space for the Mona Lisa with timed-entry access.
The “Louvre New Renaissance” project is expected to cost up to $925 million (€800 million) and be funded through ticket sales, state support, private donations, and licensing revenue.
However, workers say help is needed now. Unlike other landmarks such as Notre Dame Cathedral or the Centre Pompidou, which are receiving government-backed restorations, the Louvre remains in limbo.
Until the promised upgrades arrive, the museum and its management remain caught between record-breaking crowds and mounting strain.
