Louvre employees closed the Paris museum on Monday, striking over poor working conditions and safety concerns.
Union leaders said 400 staff voted unanimously to strike for the day, though future action remains uncertain.
Strikers blocked the museum’s iconic glass pyramid with banners, flags, and placards.
The museum posted an online notice confirming the closure and promised refunds for ticket holders.
Louvre normally remains closed on Tuesdays, giving workers a chance to decide on Wednesday whether to extend the strike.
Tourists expressed frustration, with visitors like Lindsey Hall from Sacramento, California, describing the closure as deeply disappointing.
Hall said she had been eager to experience the museum’s world-famous collection with a friend.
She added she understood the stress staff face, working day after day under difficult conditions.
Staff cite safety concerns and workload pressures
The strike followed talks with unions and Culture Minister Rachida Dati that failed to resolve staffing and funding issues.
CFDT union leader Alexis Fritche said visiting the museum has become an “obstacle course” for staff and visitors alike.
Employees cited the October jewellery heist as proof that overcrowding and thin staffing undermine security and working conditions.
Police later arrested the four suspects accused of stealing €88 million in crown jewels.
The thieves used a basket lift, broke into display cases, and fled through a window.
A Senate inquiry said outdated cameras, poorly staffed control rooms, and miscommunication allowed the thieves to escape by seconds.
Unions demand reform and ministry responds
CFDT said staff want more security, better visitor experiences, stable budgets, and leadership that listens.
CGT official Yvan Navarro criticized declining staff numbers amid rising visitor totals and increased prices.
He called the strike a “day of anger” after years of worsening conditions.
Unions notified the Culture Ministry of open-ended strike plans, calling the Louvre “in crisis.”
The Ministry appointed Philippe Jost, who led Notre Dame’s reconstruction, to recommend a deep reorganisation.
Jost will deliver proposals by the end of February, working with Louvre director Laurence des Cars.
Des Cars previously called the October heist a “terrible failure” for museum security.
