Staff members at the Musée du Louvre in Paris initiated another walkout yesterday, expressing deep concerns over current working conditions and the state of the museum's infrastructure. The industrial action led to the complete closure of the iconic institution on Monday morning, with a partial reopening occurring around noon.
During the strike, visitors could access some of the Louvre's most famous masterpieces, including the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace. However, all other galleries remained closed to the public. Striking staff gathered near the main entrance under the glass pyramid, while visitors were directed to a separate entrance along the Seine river.
Key Takeaways
- Louvre staff staged a strike over working conditions and new entrance plans.
- The museum partially reopened, allowing access to key artworks.
- Unions demand the director abandon a €666 million new entrance project.
- Staff cite a "complete breach of trust" with Director Laurence des Cars.
- A parliamentary investigation into museum safety is set to begin.
Unanimous Vote for Strike Action
The decision to strike came after a unanimous vote by 350 staff members, including curators. Three unions orchestrated the action, highlighting the severe tensions within the institution. A representative from the French Democratic Confederation of Labour (CFDT) noted the unprecedented level of discontent.
"No one has ever seen that level of tension in a national museum," a CFDT spokesperson stated, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
Negotiations between striking workers, union representatives, and France's Ministry of Culture are set to continue. While some progress might occur regarding job maintenance and wages, the primary issue remains a significant breakdown in trust between staff and the museum's director, Laurence des Cars.
Fast Fact
The Louvre welcomed approximately 7.8 million visitors in 2022, making it one of the most visited museums globally. Maintaining its vast collections and facilities is a complex undertaking.Controversial New Entrance Project
For the first time, unions explicitly demanded that Director Laurence des Cars abandon her proposed €666 million project. This ambitious plan includes constructing a new entrance and a subterranean complex around the Mona Lisa, alongside an exhibition hall.
Instead, staff urged the director to prioritize essential technical works needed to preserve the museum's irreplaceable collections. They argue that the focus should shift from new, "unrealistic" developments to critical maintenance.
Background
The Louvre's infrastructure dates back centuries, with continuous additions and modifications. Maintaining such a historic and expansive complex, which houses millions of artworks, requires ongoing, significant investment in conservation and technical upkeep.Budgetary Concerns and Maintenance Delays
Director Des Cars's 2026 budget allocates a substantial €100 million for preliminary studies related to her grand entrance plan. In stark contrast, only €15 million is earmarked for technical maintenance across the entire museum. This includes a mere €1.8 million specifically for the safety of the museum's vast collection.
This budgetary allocation highlights a core point of contention for the striking staff. They believe the museum's priorities are misaligned, favoring new, visible projects over the fundamental preservation needs of the existing collection and infrastructure.
Previous Incidents and Mounting Pressure
This latest strike follows a series of troubling events at the Louvre. The week before Christmas saw a three-day walkout, signaling prior discontent among staff. Furthermore, a high-profile theft of crown jewels occurred in October, with the objects still unrecovered despite the arrest of four individuals.
Official reports issued after the heist have detailed the "accelerated degradation" of the museum's infrastructure. These reports attribute the decline to "considerable delays" in maintenance work and a redirection of resources towards "visible and attractive operations" rather than essential upkeep.
- October: Crown jewels stolen, still missing.
- Pre-Christmas: Three-day staff walkout.
- January: Latest strike action and partial closure.
Parliamentary Investigation Begins
Later this week, a new parliamentary investigation into the safety of museums will commence in the French parliament. This inquiry is expected to intensify the existing pressure on Director Laurence des Cars regarding her leadership and the museum's current state.
The investigation will likely scrutinize the museum's maintenance protocols, security measures, and budgetary allocations. Its findings could significantly impact the ongoing debate about the Louvre's future direction and its leadership.