The Louvre Museum, home to some of civilization’s greatest artistic treasures, was brought to a dramatic standstill on Monday — not by war or pandemic, but by its own overburdened staff.
Thousands of stunned visitors were turned away as workers launched a spontaneous strike, citing “untenable” working conditions, unmanageable crowds, and chronic understaffing.
The strike erupted during a routine internal meeting, quickly escalating as gallery attendants, ticket agents, and security personnel refused to take up their posts.
“It’s the Mona Lisa moan out here,” quipped Kevin Ward, 62, from Milwaukee, as thousands queued helplessly outside under I.M. Pei’s iconic glass pyramid. “No communication, no explanation. I guess even she needs a day off.”
At the heart of the protest lies a museum overwhelmed by mass tourism. Despite efforts to cap daily attendance at 30,000, staff say the pressure is relentless — with inadequate rest areas, limited facilities, and scorching heat amplified by the pyramid’s greenhouse effect.
The Louvre welcomed 8.7 million visitors in 2024, more than twice what its infrastructure was designed for.
“We can’t wait six years for help,” said Sarah Sefian, a visitor services agent. “It’s not just about the art — it’s about the people protecting it.”
President Emmanuel Macron recently unveiled a €700–800 million “Louvre New Renaissance” renovation plan, promising a new entrance and a dedicated gallery for the Mona Lisa.
But museum workers accuse him of hypocrisy, noting that operating subsidies have shrunk over 20% in the last decade.
