Louvre Museum Closed as Workers Launch Renewable Strike Over Conditions and Resources

Louvre Museum Shuts Down Amidst Worker Strike

The world-renowned Louvre Museum in Paris, France, remained closed to visitors on Monday, December 15, 2025, as its employees commenced a renewable strike. The industrial action, voted for unanimously by approximately 400 workers, highlights deep-seated concerns regarding working conditions and a perceived lack of adequate resources at the iconic institution.

The strike was organized by major unions including the CFDT, CGT, and SUD Culture Solidaires, who have collectively voiced that visiting the museum has become an 'obstacle course' for the public due to various issues.

Key Grievances Fueling the Action

Workers' demands extend beyond general working conditions and resource allocation. Specific issues cited by the unions include:

• Insufficient Staffing: Employees report being understaffed, leading to increased pressure and difficulty in managing the museum's vast visitor numbers, which reached 8.7 million last year with a daily cap of 30,000.
• Security Concerns: A major catalyst for the strike was a high-profile jewel heist on October 19, 2025, where an estimated $102 million (€88 million) worth of French crown jewels were stolen in daylight. A subsequent Senate inquiry revealed significant security vulnerabilities, including broken cameras, outdated equipment, and understaffed control rooms.
• Building Dilapidation: The museum has faced several structural problems, including a water leak in November that damaged 300 to 400 books and journals in the Egyptian department, and the closure of the Campana Gallery due to ceiling safety fears.
• Ticket Price Hike: Unions also protested against a 45% increase in ticket prices for non-EU visitors, arguing it is discriminatory and does not adequately address the museum's financial needs for structural improvements.
• Lack of Responsive Leadership: Workers are calling for stable long-term budgets and leadership that 'truly listens to staff'.

Impact and Official Response

The museum's website issued a notice stating, 'Due to public strikes, the Musée du Louvre is closed today. All reservations for today's date will be refunded. We apologise for the inconvenience.' The 'renewable' nature of the strike means employees can vote daily or for specific periods to continue their action, with another general assembly expected on Wednesday, as the museum is typically closed on Tuesdays.

In response to the escalating crisis, the French Culture Ministry announced on Sunday that Philippe Jost, who oversaw the reconstruction of Notre Dame Cathedral, has been tasked with proposing a comprehensive reorganization of the museum by February. Talks between unions and Culture Minister Rachida Dati last week reportedly failed to alleviate all concerns, leading to the current strike.