On June 16, 2025, the Louvre—recognized as the world’s most‑visited museum—unexpectedly closed its doors after staff initiated a spontaneous strike, citing crushing visitor volumes and deteriorating working conditions. Dubbed the “Mona Lisa moan out here,” employees protested that the museum had become “untenable” due to chronic understaffing, overcrowding, and a crumbling infrastructure. Approximately 30,000 people visit the Louvre daily, far exceeding what its centuries‑old halls can accommodate.

Staff failing to monitor room capacities in exhibit spaces—especially around iconic pieces like Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa—said the resulting chaos caused safety hazards, discomfort, and worker exhaustion . Tickets were sold and tourists queued under I. M. Pei’s pyramid as the shutdown became abrupt and complete, leaving many stranded outside without explanation. This disruption follows a series of such strikes in 2019 over overcrowding and earlier walkouts related to safety and infrastructure issues in 2013. However, today’s walkout stands out for its speed and spontaneity—sparked during an internal staff meeting. Employees say they can’t wait years for fixes.

In January, President Macron unveiled the ambitious €700–800 million “Louvre New Renaissance” redevelopment plan, aimed at easing congestion by 2031. The proposal includes a dedicated Mona Lisa room and a secondary entrance by the Seine. Yet employees counter that while long-term capital improvements are welcome, immediate conditions—such as water leaks, scorching pyramid temperatures, and scant restrooms and break spaces—are in crisis. Front-line staff feel abandoned amid declining state subsidies (cut by over 20% in a decade) and ballooning maintenance issues. Describing their environment as a “physical ordeal,” they urged the government and museum leadership to take swift, concrete steps rather than rely solely on delayed reforms.

Though some workers may permit limited access to select highlights (including the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo), a full reopening is expected Wednesday. Ticket holders for today may be allowed entrance then, while the museum will remain closed on Tuesday. The Louvre drew 8.7 million visitors last year—double its intended capacity. As cities globally grapple with over tourism's effects, the Louvre stands as a stark symbol of a cultural treasure at its breaking point. The coming days will reveal if this bold strike leads to meaningful change—or is merely a brief pause before business as usual resumes.