The Louvre Museum in Paris faced significant delays in opening on Monday as a spontaneous protest by staff members highlighted ongoing concerns regarding working conditions. Thousands of eager visitors stood outside, waiting in long lines that stretched past the iconic glass pyramid, as front-of-house employees, including gallery attendants and security staff, took action against what they describe as deteriorating labor environments.
Union representative Sarah Sefian from CGT-Culture explained that what initially started as a scheduled monthly information session quickly evolved into a powerful expression of frustration among the staff. They gathered at the museum’s auditorium to voice their concerns, insisting on remaining united until management arrived.
Key issues raised include overcrowding and understaffing, which have substantially affected the workflow and experience at the museum. By midday, the Louvre still had not opened its doors, and a message on its official website informed visitors of the possibility of later openings or closed exhibition rooms due to the strike.
The Louvre is not just a symbol of cultural heritage; it’s also the world’s most-visited museum, having welcomed approximately 8.7 million visitors in 2024, most of whom came from abroad. In previous statements, Louvre President Laurence des Cars addressed the need for improvements, citing the excessive crowding and lack of visitor amenities, and emphasized the necessity of maintaining manageable visitor numbers to ensure a better experience.
Union officials expressed hope that the museum would reopen later that afternoon, reflecting a potential resolution to the staff grievances. This situation serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by cultural institutions and the need for sustainable working conditions to preserve the quality of visitor experiences.