Louvre workers went on strike Monday, shutting the museum over working conditions and staffing complaints.
The CFDT union said 400 employees voted unanimously for a one-day work stoppage.
Strikers blocked the iconic glass pyramid entrance with banners, flags, and placards.
The museum posted an online notice confirming closure and promised refunds for all ticket holders.
Employees may meet Wednesday to decide whether to extend the strike beyond one day.
Visitors express frustration amid strike
Tourists arriving at the Louvre reacted with disappointment.
Lindsey Hall from Sacramento, California, said she had eagerly anticipated exploring the museum’s vast collection.
She described the Louvre as “one of those life experiences you crave” and “an epic collection every human should see.”
At the same time, she expressed understanding for staff dealing with day-to-day pressures behind the scenes.
Security and staffing concerns spark action
Unions held talks with Culture Minister Rachida Dati last week, but employees’ concerns remained unresolved.
CFDT official Alexis Fritche called visiting the museum an “obstacle course” due to crowding and understaffing.
Staff fear that thin staffing undermines security, highlighted by the October jewellery heist.
Police later arrested the four suspects accused of stealing €88 million in French crown jewels.
The thieves used a basket lift, forced a window, smashed cases, and escaped within seconds.
A Senate report blamed broken cameras, outdated equipment, understaffed control rooms, and poor coordination.
Unions demand more security staff, improved visitor experiences, better working conditions, stable budgets, and leadership that listens.
CGT official Yvan Navarro said rising visitor numbers and costs have not been matched with higher staffing or wages.
Unions described the Louvre as in “crisis” with deteriorating working conditions in a joint notice to Dati.
The French Culture Ministry assigned Philippe Jost, who led Notre Dame’s post-fire reconstruction, to propose a major reorganisation.
Jost will work with Louvre director Laurence des Cars and submit recommendations by the end of February.
Des Cars previously called the jewel heist a “terrible failure.”
