The Louvre’s latest strike, now extended for a second day, has left the world’s most visited museum on the brink of full closure. Workers cite chronic understaffing, building deterioration and recent management decisions—issues that were amplified by the October crown‑jewels heist.
Strike Decision
On Wednesday, employees at the Louvre voted to prolong the walkout that began earlier this week. The vote was taken during a morning general assembly, following the unanimous adoption of the strike earlier in the week. The museum was already closed for its regular weekly shutdown on Tuesday, leaving the situation uncertain.
Uncertain Operations
It remained unclear whether the strike would force a full closure on Wednesday. Visitors holding tickets queued outside the museum in the morning as management assessed staffing levels and whether enough employees were available to safely open galleries. The potential shutdown highlighted the fragile balance between operational demands and employee welfare.
Security Fallout
Tensions have intensified after the daylight robbery that stole crown jewels in October. The theft exposed serious security lapses at the museum and has become a focal point of the dispute. The incident underscored the urgency of the union’s demands for improved safety measures.
Ministry Response
Culture Ministry officials held crisis talks with unions on Monday and proposed several measures: canceling a planned $6.7 million cut in 2026 funding, opening new recruitment for gallery guards and visitor services, and increasing staff compensation. Union officials said the measures fell short of addressing the core issues.
Leadership Under Scrutiny
Louvre President Laurence des Cars was scheduled to appear before the Senate’s culture committee later Wednesday as lawmakers continue probing security failures. Des Cars has acknowledged an “institutional failure” following the heist but has come under renewed scrutiny after admitting she only learned of a critical 2019 security audit after the robbery. France’s Court of Auditors and a separate administrative inquiry have since criticized delays in implementing a long‑promised security overhaul.
Emergency Measures
The Culture Ministry announced emergency anti‑intrusion measures last month and assigned Philippe Jost—who oversaw the Notre‑Dame restoration—to help reorganize the museum. The move was widely seen as a sign of mounting pressure on Louvre leadership.
Key Takeaways
- The Louvre’s strike has been extended for a second day amid staffing and security concerns.
- The October crown‑jewels robbery has intensified calls for improved safety and oversight.
- The Culture Ministry’s proposed reforms were deemed insufficient by union officials.
The ongoing strike underscores the complex interplay between employee rights, museum operations, and national security. As the Louvre navigates these challenges, the outcome will likely influence cultural policy and museum management practices across France and beyond.
