Louvre Temporarily Closes as Staff Protest Against Overtourism

Summary

  • The Louvre closed on June 16 due to staff protests over overtourism and understaffing
  • Staff are seeking immediate help, stating the current working conditions are “untenable”
  • The protest occurred despite Macron’s recent decade-long plan to address museum issues

On June 16th, the Louvre did not open its gates because employees were demonstrating against excessive international tourism worldwide.

According to CNN’s report, the unexpected incident occurred during a typical gathering. The staff such as gallery attendants, ticket agents, and security personnel staged a protest due to unmanageable crowds, insufficient staff, and what a union described as an “intolerable” working condition. Further information regarding the matter was not disclosed.

According to USA Today, the meeting started at 10:30 a.m. in the Paris time zone and lasted until mid-afternoon. It was around 2:30 p.m. on the same day when the museum finally opened its doors.

People who were waiting outside this morning didn’t know that the Louvre had unexpectedly closed down. “It’s like the Mona Lisa is having a fit,” remarked 62-year-old visitor Kevin Ward from Milwaukee. “Hordes of people standing by, no information given, no reason provided. I suppose even she needs a break every now and then.

This year, French President Emmanuel Macron unveiled a ten-year revitalization project for the Louvre, addressing concerns like water leaks, extreme temperature fluctuations, aged infrastructure, and an overwhelming number of visitors. However, staff members are urgently requesting intervention. “We can’t afford to wait six years for help,” said Sarah Sefian from the CGT-Culture union. “Our workers are currently under strain. It’s not just about preserving art; it’s about safeguarding the people who preserve it.

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2025-06-17 06:56