Louvre’s Sudden Closure Sparks Mona Lisa Mayhem Amid Overtourism Strike

Paris’s iconic Louvre Museum abruptly closed its doors on Monday, leaving countless tourists stranded and bewildered outside its grand entrance. The sudden shutdown, triggered by an employee strike over overtourism, halted access to the world’s most-visited museum, home to Leonardo da Vinci’s enigmatic Mona Lisa.

Kevin Ward, a visitor from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, captured the frustration: "It’s a ‘Mona Lisa’ moan out here. Thousands of us, no word, no warning—just closed." The museum, which welcomed 8.7 million visitors in 2024, has been grappling with overwhelming crowds, particularly in the Salle des États, where the Mona Lisa draws up to 20,000 admirers daily.

Ji-Hyun Park from Seoul described the chaos: "It’s a sea of phones and elbows, then you’re swept away by the crowd." The painting’s allure has strained staff and space alike, prompting French President Emmanuel Macron to propose a bold solution. His "Louvre New Renaissance" project aims to relocate the masterpiece to a dedicated wing, complete with a new Seine-side entrance and exclusive tickets to ease congestion.

Yet, the museum’s staff aren’t impressed. Sarah Sefian, a gallery attendant, told reporters, "Macron makes grand speeches here, but the state’s investment in our museum keeps shrinking." The strike underscores deeper tensions: workers demand better conditions to handle the relentless tourist tide.

As the Louvre plans its transformation, Monday’s closure serves as a stark reminder that even the Mona Lisa can’t smile through every storm.