Louvre Museum Shuts Amid Staff Strike over Overtourism, Understaffing

The Louvre Museum, the world’s most-visited cultural institution, was forced to close temporarily due to a spontaneous strike by its staff protesting overwhelming crowds, chronic understaffing, and untenable working conditions. Thousands of visitors were left stranded with tickets in hand, as gallery attendants, ticket agents, and security personnel refused to work, highlighting the severe pressure of overtourism on the museum. Despite President Emmanuel Macron’s recent announcement of a decade-long renovation plan aimed at addressing issues like overcrowding, water leaks, and outdated infrastructure, workers expressed frustration that immediate help is necessary to protect both the art and the people safeguarding it. The strike underscores broader tensions in major tourist destinations across Europe, where locals and workers are pushing back against the negative impacts of mass tourism. With around 20,000 visitors crowding the Mona Lisa’s room daily, the museum struggles to balance preserving its treasures and providing a safe, manageable experience for both staff and guests. The Louvre’s closure is rare and symbolic, revealing the urgent need for sustainable tourism solutions and better working conditions at iconic cultural sites.