Louvre Employees Suspend Strike as Museum Fully Reopens Amid Ongoing Dispute

The Louvre Museum in Paris fully reopened on January 7, 2026, after its employees decided not to continue their strike that began in mid-December. During a morning assembly of 200 to 300 workers, the choice was made to suspend the strike and allow the museum to open all areas to the public, following a temporary holiday break and a brief resumption on January 5.

Union representatives emphasized that although the strike is suspended, the mobilization movement remains active. A new general assembly is scheduled for January 8 to debate working conditions and the future of the strike. The strike was triggered by inadequate progress in negotiations with the Ministry of Culture regarding understaffing, deteriorating workplace conditions, and opposition to an upcoming increase in ticket prices for non-European tourists, effective January 14. Concerns were also raised over the building's deterioration, notably highlighted by the theft of eight royal jewels in October.

The Ministry of Culture has closed the door on new recruitment efforts but is open to dialogue on salary adjustments. Prior to the holidays, the ministry promised to reverse a €5.7 million cut in public funding for the Louvre and to consider raising allowances, though unions consider these measures insufficient. CGT delegate Christian Galani confirmed that the pre-strike notice remains in place until concrete actions are taken. This development allows the public greater access to the museum’s offerings, including the previously restricted "masterpieces tour," which features renowned works like the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.