Louvre Museum Strike Continues Amid Security Failures and Staffing Crisis

The Louvre Museum in Paris remains closed as employees continue their strike, which began on December 15, 2025. Approximately 400 staff members voted unanimously to initiate the strike, protesting against severe understaffing, building deterioration, and increased admission fees for non-European visitors. The museum was closed on Monday and remained shut on Tuesday, its regular day off, disappointing visitors during the busy holiday season.

On December 17, the striking employees gathered for a general assembly to decide whether to extend the strike action. Christian Galani, a CGT union representative, expressed deep frustration among staff, stating that minor concessions would not address the root causes of the dispute. In response, the Ministry of Culture proposed cancelling a planned €5.7 million budget cut for 2026, hiring additional security and visitor service personnel, and implementing permanent wage increases. However, these measures have yet to resolve the standoff.

Adding to the tension are serious security concerns following a robbery on October 19, when eight Crown jewels were stolen. Louvre president Laurence des Cars faced intense scrutiny and was summoned to testify before the Senate's culture committee about the museum's security failures. She acknowledged a "failure" in security management and admitted to being unaware of a critical 2019 security audit until after the theft. An administrative investigation criticized the museum's protective measures as fragile.

Emergency steps have been announced, including installing anti-intrusion devices, while Minister of Culture Rachida Dati appointed Philippe Jost—known for his work on the Notre-Dame restoration—to assist in reorganizing the museum alongside des Cars. Former Louvre president Jean-Luc Martinez defended past security arrangements, emphasizing continuity despite current issues.

As negotiations continue between unions, museum management, and the Culture Ministry, the future reopening of the Louvre remains uncertain amid staff demands for lasting improvements in working conditions and facility maintenance.