Paris’ Louvre Museum Shuts Down: Should Filipinos Rethink Their Itinerary

It’s not every day that the Louvre Museum, the world’s most visited museum and a symbol of French art and history, suddenly closes its doors to the public. But on June 16, 2025, that's exactly what happened. In a surprising turn of events, staff at the Louvre in Paris walked out in a spontaneous strike, forcing the museum to shut down for several hours.

This unexpected closure wasn’t due to war or a health emergency. Instead, it was a result of years of mounting pressure. Gallery attendants, ticket agents, and security personnel said they were overwhelmed by unmanageable crowds, chronic understaffing, and working conditions that have become, in their words, “untenable.”

Louvre Museum | Andrey X. via Canva Pro

For Filipino travellers dreaming of seeing the Mona Lisa in person, this strike is a wake-up call. As more and more tourists flock to top destinations like the Louvre, over-tourism is becoming a serious issue, not just for visitors, but for the people who work behind the scenes to preserve these cultural treasures.

Also read: When In France: Paris For First-Time Travellers

A museum on the edge

Mona Lisa Painting | Gagan Kaur via Pexels

The Louvre Museum was designed to welcome around four million visitors a year. In 2024 alone, it received nearly nine million. Daily crowds often reach 30,000, especially around the Salle des États, where the Mona Lisa is displayed behind protective glass. But what should be an inspiring moment often turns into a chaotic one. Tourists jostle for selfies, squeezing past elbows, and missing out on the other masterpieces in the room.

According to a leaked memo from Louvre President Laurence des Cars, the museum’s infrastructure is also struggling. Parts of the building are “no longer watertight,” and facilities like toilets, food areas, and signage fall below international standards. Summer heat under the glass pyramid intensifies the problem, creating an uncomfortable experience for both staff and guests.

The “Louvre New Renaissance” plan

To address these issues, President Emmanuel Macron recently unveiled a decade-long rescue effort called the Louvre New Renaissance. The plan includes building a new Mona Lisa gallery with timed-entry tickets and a second entrance near the Seine River to ease crowding.

The renovation, projected to cost between €700–800 million, will be funded through ticket revenue, private donors, state support, and licensing fees from the Louvre Abu Dhabi. Non-EU ticket prices are also expected to increase, something Pinoy travellers should prepare for if they’re planning a visit in the next few years.

Also read: What Filipinos Need to Know About the New France Visa Appointment System in 2025

More than just a museum

When the Louvre museum shuts its doors, it sends a powerful message. It’s not just about the art. It’s also about the people working tirelessly to protect it and the millions of travellers who come in search of beauty, history, and meaning.

As Filipino travellers, we’re no strangers to long lines and crowded landmarks. But this incident reminds us to travel more mindfully and to respect not just the places we visit, but the people keeping them alive.