Louvre Museum Closure Leaves Thousands of Tourists Waiting

PARIS, France — The Louvre Museum failed to open on time Monday, leaving thousands of visitors stuck in long, unmoving lines outside as staff protested working conditions. The delay stemmed from an ’emergency meeting’ of museum officials, but no details were provided on when it might reopen.

Union representative Sarah Sefian from CGT-Culture said the disruption was initiated by front-of-house staff, including gallery attendants and security workers, responding to deteriorating labor conditions. ‘It’s a movement led by reception agents who are suffering from the working conditions at the Louvre,’ Sefian stated.

What started as a scheduled monthly information session escalated into a mass expression of frustration among staff. ‘They decided to stay together until management arrived,’ Sefian said, noting that the meeting began at 10:30 a.m. to discuss pressing concerns related to overcrowding and understaffing.

As of midday, the museum remained closed. Lines extended past I.M. Pei’s iconic glass pyramid and deep into the underground shopping area. Some frustrated ticket holders left, creating a false impression of movement in the queues. Kevin Ward, 62, from Milwaukee, voiced his disappointment, saying, ‘It’s the Mona Lisa moan out here. Thousands of people waiting, no communication, no explanation.’

A message on the museum’s website read, ‘Due to strikes in France, the museum may open later and some exhibition rooms may remain closed. We thank you for your understanding.’ Union officials expressed optimism that the museum may resume operations in the afternoon, but as of now, visitors continue to wait.