PARIS IN TURMOIL: Visitors stunned as Louvre turns them away – "We're closed!" security shouts amid explosive strike action!
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In a jaw-dropping escalation of crises, the Louvre Museum in Paris was shut down on Monday morning, December 15, 2025, as furious staff launched a rolling strike. Security agents bluntly told disappointed tourists: “We are closed. Come back in a few hours.” This dramatic closure comes nearly two months after thieves stole priceless French crown jewels worth over $100 million in a daring daylight heist.
The Strike: Staff on the Brink of Collapse
All three major unions – CGT, Sud, and CFDT – voted unanimously for the strike, warning that employees feel like “the last bastion before collapse.” They demand more staffing, urgent renovations, and protests against a controversial ticket price hike for non-EU visitors (including Americans and Brits).
The action highlights years of underinvestment, staff cuts, and deteriorating conditions at the museum, which welcomed 8.7 million visitors last year. “The jewel robbery shed light on deep-rooted problems,” unions stated. The Guardian
Background: The $100M Crown Jewels Heist That Started It All
On October 19, 2025, thieves disguised as construction workers stole eight priceless pieces from the Galerie d'Apollon in under eight minutes. Items included Napoleon-era emeralds and diamonds – irreplaceable national treasures. One crown was dropped and damaged during the escape.
Investigations revealed shocking security lapses: malfunctioning cameras, poor coordination, and avoidable delays. Thieves escaped with just 30 seconds to spare! Wikipedia: 2025 Louvre Heist | BBC News
More Disasters: Leaks, Closures, and Overtourism Hell
The Louvre's woes didn't stop there. A massive water leak damaged hundreds of ancient Egyptian documents, galleries closed due to structural fears, and earlier strikes over overtourism left thousands stranded. With 30,000 daily visitors, staff call it an “obstacle course” of hazards.
Recent ticket price hikes for non-EU tourists aim to fund repairs, but unions slam it as discriminatory. AP News
As Christmas holidays approach, this strike could drag on for days, ruining trips for millions. Is the Louvre on the verge of total breakdown? Stay tuned – the drama is far from over!