Why did the Louvre suddenly close its doors?

On June 16, 2025, the Louvre, the world’s most‑visited museum, shut down without warning due to a spontaneous staff strike. Front‑of‑house workers walked off during a routine meeting, protesting severe understaffing, unmanageable visitor numbers, and deteriorating conditions inside the historic site . Over 8.7 million visitors entered in 2024, forcing daily crushes around icons like the Mona Lisa, where roughly 20,000 people gather each day. Staff describe hot, cramped lobbies, leaking ceilings, scarce restrooms, and signage below global standards—a “physical ordeal” for workers and guests alike. While President Macron’s €700–800 million “Louvre New Renaissance” plan promises a dedicated Mona Lisa room and a new Seine‑side entrance by 2031, employees insist urgent action can’t wait that long. The museum reopened later that week, but staff continues to press for immediate improvements.