Louvre Shuts Down as Staff Strike Over Mass Tourism

The Louvre, the world’s most-visited museum, was unexpectedly shut down by its own staff on a Monday due to a spontaneous strike protesting the overwhelming effects of mass tourism. Gallery attendants, ticket agents, and security personnel refused to work, citing chronic understaffing, unmanageable crowds, and untenable working conditions, leaving thousands of visitors stranded and confused. This rare closure highlights the growing crisis of overtourism, as many iconic cultural sites in Europe, including Venice and the Acropolis, are also struggling to manage the influx of tourists. The strike coincided with widespread anti-tourism protests across southern Europe, where activists criticized tourism’s impact on local communities and urban life. The disruption at the Louvre, which has previously closed only during war, pandemic, or rare strikes, signals a breaking point for one of the world’s most important cultural institutions. This event draws attention to the urgent need for sustainable tourism solutions to preserve both cultural heritage and worker welfare.