PARIS (AP) — The Louvre, renowned as the world’s most-visited museum and an emblem of artistic heritage, faced a significant closure on Monday as staff initiated a strike in response to overwhelming visitor numbers. This protest highlights ongoing issues of overcrowding and underfunding at the iconic institution.
As thousands of tourists, many clutching pre-purchased tickets, faced long, unmoving lines beneath the striking glass pyramid designed by I.M. Pei, frustration grew palpable. “It’s the Mona Lisa moan out here,” observed Kevin Ward, a visitor from Milwaukee. “There are just thousands of people waiting here without any communication or explanation. I guess even she needs a day off.”
The Louvre has become emblematic of the challenges posed by global overtourism, with its notoriety drawing in huge crowds that far exceed its capacity. This phenomenon reflects a growing movement among popular destinations such as Venice and the Acropolis to manage tourist influxes more effectively. The Louvre is now at a critical juncture, grappling with its own popularity.
The unexpected strike unfolded during a scheduled internal meeting, prompting gallery attendants, ticket agents, and security staff to halt work due to frustrations over the overwhelming crowds, chronic staffing shortages, and what some unions describe as “untenable” working conditions. Sudden closures of the Louvre are rare, occurring mostly during wartime, pandemics, or select strikes, yet this disruption caught many off-guard and highlighted existing concerns.
Compounding the issue, this strike comes mere months after French President Emmanuel Macron introduced a comprehensive plan aimed at addressing the Louvre’s infrastructure issues and operational inefficiencies. These include prevention of water leaks, regulation of temperature fluctuations, and alleviating the overwhelming visitor traffic that has become routine.
However, according to museum staff, the promise of future improvements feels distant and inadequate. “We can’t wait six years for help,” stated Sarah Sefian of the CGT-Culture union. “Our team is under immense pressure; it’s more than just about the artwork — it’s about the workers safeguarding it.”
The Daily Crowd at the Mona Lisa
Central to the Louvre’s crowding issues is the Mona Lisa, a 16th-century masterpiece that draws approximately 20,000 visitors daily into the Salle des États, the museum’s largest gallery. Many attendees view the experience more as a celebrity encounter rather than a genuine art appreciation opportunity, resulting in a chaotic atmosphere where art is often overlooked.
“You don’t see a painting,” remarked Ji-Hyun Park from Seoul. “You see phones, elbows, and then you’re pushed out.” President Macron’s “Louvre New Renaissance” redevelopment plan promises to improve the situation by creating a dedicated viewing area for the Mona Lisa, accessible via timed-entry tickets. As part of the five-year project, a second entrance on the Seine River is also projected to open by 2031, aiming to lessen congestion at the pyramid’s main entrance.
However, many workers criticize the renovation plan, stating that while Macron announces investment into new facilities, the Louvre has seen its state subsidies decline over 20% in the last decade, despite visitor numbers skyrocketing. “It’s infuriating that the President gives speeches here at our museum when, beneath the surface, state investment continues to dwindle,” Sefian said.
While some protestors plan to maintain their strike throughout the day, limited access to select masterpieces, including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, may be offered for a brief period. The museum anticipates returning to standard operations on Wednesday, while it will remain closed on Tuesday, with guests whose tickets were affected on Monday receiving the opportunity to reuse them.
The Louvre’s Ongoing Challenges
With over 8.7 million visitors in the past year, the Louvre is now grappling with visitor numbers far surpassing what its facilities can support. Staff report that despite a daily visitor cap of 30,000, managing the influx has become an extreme challenge, compounded by inadequacies in restroom facilities and areas for staff to rest, particularly during the summer months exacerbated by the glass pyramid’s design.
A leaked memo from Louvre president Laurence des Cars expressed urgent concerns, noting the museum’s structural vulnerabilities: “Parts of the building are no longer watertight; temperature fluctuations threaten priceless artworks; and visitor amenities are below international standards.” She labeled the visitor experience as “a physical ordeal.”
What began as a routine internal meeting escalated into a significant protest of staff grievances, culminating in a series of discussions between management and workers. The long-term renovation strategy is expected to be funded through a combination of ticket sales, private contributions, public funds, and licensing agreements from the Louvre’s Abu Dhabi branch. Ticket prices for non-EU tourists are anticipated to rise later this year.
In contrast to historical sites in Paris such as Notre Dame Cathedral and the Centre Pompidou, both currently undergoing government-supported renovations, the Louvre remains in a state of uncertainty, neither fully funded nor fully functional. President Macron, who utilized the Louvre as a backdrop for his 2017 election victory and has showcased it throughout the lead-up to the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics, has assured visitors of a more secure and modern museum by the end of the decade.
Until these plans come to fruition, however, visitors and staff alike will continue to navigate the complexities and challenges faced by one of France’s greatest cultural treasures.
