Workers at the Louvre closed the museum on Monday, protesting staffing shortages, security concerns, and working conditions.
Labour leaders said 400 employees voted unanimously to strike during a morning meeting.
Strikers blocked the iconic glass pyramid entrance, waving flags, banners, and placards.
The museum posted an “exceptional closure” notice online and promised refunds to ticket holders.
The Louvre normally closes on Tuesdays, and employees may meet again Wednesday to decide whether to continue the strike.
Visitors express frustration and sympathy
Tourists arriving at the museum reacted with disappointment.
Lindsey Hall, from Sacramento, California, had planned to explore the Louvre’s vast art collection with a friend.
She described the museum as “one of those life experiences you crave” and said the closure felt devastating.
At the same time, she acknowledged the stress and pressure museum staff face daily.
Other visitors voiced similar sentiments, sympathizing with staff while lamenting their disrupted plans.
Staff cite security failures and overcrowding
The strike followed unsuccessful talks between unions and Culture Minister Rachida Dati.
Alexis Fritche of the CFDT called visiting the Louvre “an obstacle course” because of understaffing and crowding.
Employees said last October’s daylight jewellery heist exposed vulnerabilities in security and working conditions.
Police later arrested four suspects accused of stealing €88 million in French crown jewels.
A Senate inquiry blamed broken cameras, outdated equipment, and understaffed control rooms for the thieves’ escape.
Unions demanded more security staff, better working conditions, and stable, long-term budgets.
CGT representative Yvan Navarro said visitor numbers rose while staff numbers and salaries stayed flat, fueling frustration.
The CFDT, CGT, and Sud unions warned the Louvre faced a “crisis” without sufficient resources.
The French Culture Ministry appointed Philippe Jost, who rebuilt Notre Dame after the 2019 fire, 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 jewellery heist “a terrible failure.”
