The Louvre, the world's most visited and prominent museum, has closed its doors due to protests that have been sweeping across Paris. The museum, which is home to famous works such as the "Mona Lisa," announced on Monday that it has shut down because protesters from the École du Louvre had barricaded the entrances. The Louvre posted a message on X stating, "Dear visitors, due to student strikes, the museum is currently closed. We apologize for the inconvenience."
Visitors who arrived at the museum on Monday morning found the iconic glass pyramid and other entrances blocked by the protesters. The blockade was organized in solidarity with nationwide protests over rising living costs and recent police actions. The disruption has forced the museum to turn away crowds, which normally number up to 20,000 on its busiest days.
The disruption extends beyond the Louvre's courtyards, as other top Paris destinations have also been affected. The Eiffel Tower was recently forced to close its operations for a full day after staff initiated a sudden strike in protest of limitations placed on female staff members. Other major central shopping districts have also been impacted, with international travelers navigating a city gripped by mass demonstrations and heightened security cordons.
Outside the city center, the Château de Versailles has faced abrupt closures that have derailed tourists' itineraries. The palace closed its interior doors to the public on October 6 due to a severe power outage in the surrounding area. Operational hurdles have historically impacted several prominent cultural sites across the French capital, including major institutions such as the Musee d'Orsay and the Arc de Triomphe, which experienced temporary closures in September 2025 due to staff shortages amid strikes over proposed government spending cuts.
No reopening time has been provided for the Louvre at this time.
NTC Report coverage is based on reporting from the original publisher.
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