Louvre workers went on strike today (December 15, 2025), closing the Paris museum for the day amid complaints over working conditions, overcrowding, and security lapses.
The CFDT union announced the decision after a meeting of about 400 employees, following unsuccessful talks with officials including Culture Minister Rachida Dati.
Employees seek more staffing for security and visitor services, stable budgets, better leadership responsiveness, and relief from rising visitor numbers amid shrinking staff levels.
In a statement, the CFDT said employees want more staffing for security and to welcome visitors, improved working conditions, stable long-term budgets for the Louvre and leadership that “truly listens to staff.” Additionaly the CGT union complained that staff numbers have continually decreased while visitor numbers have increased.
Recent triggers include an October jewellery heist and an archive room flood damaging materials, exacerbating long-term concerns. On 26 November, the museum had to close due to a water leak that damaged between 300 and 400 books identified as “Egyptology journals” and “scientific documentation” from the 19th and 20th century.
In a letter addressed to France's culture minister, the unions stated that 'visiting the Louvre has become a real obstacle course' for visitors, citing the poor state of the infrastructure and the closure of exhibition spaces.
The contested 45% price increase is expected to affect visitors from outside the European Economic Area, raising entry costs to €32 from January. Workers have described the increase as “discriminatory”.
The museum turned away crowds, with its website posting a closure notice; disappointed tourists described it as a missed “life experience”.
Unions plan further meetings on Wednesday to decide on extending action, protesting higher ticket prices for non-EU visitors.
