World’s most famous museum slams doors to visitors as employee revolt continues

A crown jewel of Paris,the Louvre Museum, shut its doors to tourists visiting from all over the world on Monday.

The closure came amid a prolonged employee strike that has been going on since last summer, with a major heist in October further exacerbating the situation. 

“Dear visitors, due to a social movement, the Louvre Museum is exceptionally closed today,” the museum posted on its site.

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“Visitors who have booked tickets for today will be automatically refunded — no action required on your part.We thank you for your understanding,” the notice added.

Employees have gone on strikeseveral times since the beginning of this year over pay and working conditions, according to local reports.

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The Louvre closed its doors on Monday due to an employee strike.(Martin Lelievre/AFP via Getty Images)

There were 8.7 million visitors in 2024, with 77% of them international tourists, according to Louvre data.

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“Mona Lisa,” situated in the Louvre’s largest room, the Salle des États.

Employees have gone on strike several times since the beginning of this year over pay and working conditions.(Martin Lelievre/AFP via Getty Images)

The painting attracts roughly 20,000 people per day.

On Jan.14, foreigners from outside the European Union began paying $12 more than a typical ticket, The Associated Press reported.

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Tickets rose from $25 to $37for non-EU citizens.

Theprice increase comesas the Louvre looks to leverage the costs of new security policies and technology.

There were 8.7 million visitors in 2024 to the Louvre — with 77% of them international tourists.(Magali Cohen/Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images;Ashley J.

On Oct.19, a four-person team broke into the Apollo Gallery in broad daylight.

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The thieves stole eight jewels valued collectively at 88 million euros ($102 million).

Officials recently announced that about 100 cameras will be installed by the end of 2026.

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The new measures are part of more than 20 emergency measures the museum is taking, including the establishment of the role of “security coordinator.”

The Associated Press contributed reporting. 

Ashley J.