Mona Lisa’s Day Off: Louvre Staff Strike Over Overtourism

On June 16, the Louvre Museum in Paris faced an unexpected closure as its staff staged a protest, citing overtourism, chronic understaffing, and intolerable working conditions. The action, which unfolded during a routine internal meeting, saw gallery attendants, ticket agents, and security personnel refusing to work. According to the CGT-Culture union, the current atmosphere is “untenable,” with workers overwhelmed by the sheer volume of visitors and insufficient support.

Despite French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent announcement of a ten-year “renaissance” plan to revamp the Louvre’s outdated infrastructure and improve visitor experience, employees are demanding immediate intervention. They argue that the problems they face — including water damage, temperature instability, and unsustainable crowding — cannot wait a decade to be addressed. “It’s not just about the art — it’s about the people protecting it,” said union representative Sarah Sefian.

The strike left thousands of unsuspecting tourists stranded outside, with no advance warning. Some voiced frustration, including a visitor from Milwaukee who joked about the situation as the “Mona Lisa moan.” After several hours, the museum finally opened at 2:30 p.m., but the protest sent a clear message: the Louvre may be a global cultural icon, but behind its walls, its workers are reaching a breaking point.

Photos: Louvre