PARIS (AP) — The Louvre, the world’s most-visited museum and a global symbol of art, beauty and endurance, has withstood war, terror, and pandemic — but on Monday, it was brought to a halt by its own striking staff, who say the institution is crumbling under the weight of mass tourism.

In an unprecedented event, the Louvre Museum in Paris unexpectedly closed on June 16, 2025, due to a staff strike. Employees protested against worsening conditions, understaffing, and overwhelming overtourism.

The Louvre Museum closed after staff walked out over overcrowding, decaying infrastructure and deep funding cuts, leaving visitors locked out in protest

The Louvre Museum delayed its opening on Monday, with staff citing an “emergency meeting” of senior officials about a subject they did not disclose. (AP Video shot by Laurie Kellman)

The Louvre Museum has failed to open on time Monday, leaving thousands of visitors stuck in long, unmoving lines.

The Paris museum has become a symbol of tourism pushed to its limits. Workers point to unmanageable crowds, chronic understaffing and what one union called “untenable” working conditions.

Staff refused to open the museum’s doors to thousands of visitors on Monday, citing over-tourism and crumbling infrastructure.

Thousands of angry tourists waited for hours outside the Louvre on Monday morning after the Paris museum's staff staged a surprise strike.