Workers at the Louvre initiated a strike on 15 December 2025, shutting the Paris museum and turning away thousands of visitors. Staff gathered outside the glass pyramid entrance, blocking access and displaying banners. A notice informed visitors of the closure due to the Louvre strike, which unions said drew broad support from reception, security, curators, researchers, and documentarians among the 2,200 employees.
The action stemmed from dissatisfaction with management and conditions. Around 400 employees voted unanimously to strike during a meeting on 15 December 2025, according to CGT and CFDT unions.
Background of Discontent and Recent Incidents
The Louvre strike follows a daylight heist nearly two months earlier, on approximately 15 October 2025, where crown jewels worth $102 million were stolen. This incident intensified scrutiny on museum boss Laurence des Cars and highlighted longstanding staff complaints about shortages and building disrepair. Unions have warned for years about these issues at the world’s most-visited museum, which welcomed 8.7 million visitors last year.
Additional problems include a November 2025 water leak damaging books and manuscripts in the Egyptian department, and an October 2025 gallery closure due to risky ceiling beams. Chief architect Francois Chatillon admitted to lawmakers last month that “the building is not in a good state,” per AFP. A June 2025 spontaneous walk-out and 2023 closures during pension reform protests underscore ongoing tensions. President Emmanuel Macron announced a 700-800 million euro renovation in January 2025.
Visitor and Staff Reactions
Security guard Elise Muller told reporters: “We’re angry. We disagree with the way the Louvre has been managed,” according to AFP. Visitors expressed frustration; Minsoo Kim, 37, from Seoul, said he was “very disappointed” as the Louvre was the main reason for his honeymoon visit to see the Mona Lisa. Natalia Brown, 28, from London, understood the reasons but called the timing “unfortunate.” Rachel Adams, 60, from the US, questioned funding management given the museum’s revenue.
Unions plan to decide on continuing the Louvre strike on 17 December 2025, as the museum closes Tuesdays. No immediate response from management is noted in the source.
