World's most visited museum shuts down as staff strike protests on mass tourism
The Louvre Museum, the most visited museum in the world, remained shut on Monday after its staff called an emergency strike. Employees cited overcrowding, poor working conditions, and long-term infrastructure neglect as key reasons for the disruption.Thousands of tourists waited outside the iconic glass pyramid entrance, unaware of the sudden shutdown. The strike took place during an internal meeting and involved security, ticketing, and gallery staff refusing to take up duties.'It's the Mona Lisa moan out here,' said Kevin Ward, a tourist from Milwaukee, as he stood in line.Louvre staff have warned of unmanageable crowds, understaffing, and conditions that have worsened over the years. The museum, which saw 8.7 million visitors in 2024, operates with infrastructure meant to support less than half that number. Employees called the situation 'untenable.'
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Just a day before the Louvre strike, cities across southern Europe witnessed anti-tourism protests. Demonstrators in Barcelona, Mallorca, and Lisbon expressed frustration over mass tourism's impact on daily life.
At the heart of the Louvre's crowd issues is the Mona Lisa. The painting attracts nearly 20,000 visitors a day. Many crowd into the Salle des États for a brief photo, often missing other artworks.'You don't see a painting. You see phones. You see elbows. You feel heat,' said Ji-Hyun Park, a tourist from Seoul.French President Emmanuel Macron had earlier announced a €700-800 million renovation plan, promising a new Mona Lisa room and a separate entrance by 2031. 'Conditions of display, explanation and presentation will be up to what the Mona Lisa deserves,' Macron had said.However, staff remain skeptical. 'We can't wait six years for help,' said Sarah Sefian, a gallery attendant. 'It's not just about the art — it's about the people protecting it.'Union members have pointed out that while Macron's plan promises upgrades, the museum's annual state funding has fallen over the past decade, even as visitor numbers have climbed. 'We take it very badly that Monsieur Le President makes his speeches here in our museum, but when you scratch the surface, the financial investment of the state is getting worse,' Sefian said.The Louvre may open a limited 'masterpiece route' temporarily, including access to the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. A full reopening is expected by Wednesday. The museum remains closed on Tuesdays as per schedule.A memo from Louvre President Laurence des Cars highlighted infrastructure issues including leaks, temperature swings, and insufficient facilities. She called the visitor experience 'a physical ordeal.'The funding for the long-term renovation is expected to come from ticket sales, donations, government contributions, and licensing revenue from the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Ticket prices for non-EU visitors are set to rise later this year.Until then, one of the world's greatest cultural institutions remains caught between record tourist demand and limited resources.
(With inputs from AP)
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