Louvre Museum Faces Possible Closure as Unions Announce Strike Over Renovations and Staffing
Unions CGT, Sud, and CFDT at the Louvre Museum in Paris have announced a rolling strike starting Monday. They demand urgent renovations, increased staffing levels, and oppose a planned 45% rise in ticket prices for most visitors from outside the European Economic Area, which would set the fee at €32 from January. The strike risks triggering partial or total closure during the peak visitor period if enough staff vote to continue.
The museum has faced a series of challenges recently. On October 19, a jewel heist saw a four-person gang steal approximately €88 million worth of crown jewels in just seven minutes. Although four men have been arrested and are under formal investigation, the jewels have not been recovered. Additionally, a water leak in November damaged 300 to 400 journals, books, and documents in the Egyptian department. Safety concerns have also led to the closure of the nine-room Greek ceramics gallery due to ceiling instability.
Unions highlight that since 2015, staff cuts amount to around 200 employees, many of whom worked in security roles. They argue that underinvestment and neglect over the years have left the museum vulnerable. The state auditor criticized the slow pace of security upgrades, describing them as woefully inadequate. Culture Minister Rachida Dati referred to a preliminary investigation that showed a chronic underestimation of risk and a consistent lack of investment in security measures.
In response to ongoing challenges, Philippe Jost is set to lead a study next month focusing on a comprehensive reorganization of the Louvre. President Macron has also announced plans for a new museum entrance and for the Mona Lisa to have its own dedicated room.
