The Louvre’s black iron gates were locked Saturday, preventing visitors from seeing the Mona Lisa as part of a city‑wide precaution ahead of Saturday’s demonstrations. The move followed last week’s violent protests over the cost of living, which saw streets in Paris torn up and several public venues shuttered. The closure also sealed the Tuileries Gardens and shut the Orangerie, Jeu de Paume and Picasso museums.
Italian social educator Selena Bertoni, 31, stepped in front of the Musée d’Orsay and said she had paid €50 for two tickets to view Impressionist paintings. “Bad timing,” she shrugged, noting the week‑long trip had been ruined by the sudden shutdown.
A 67‑year‑old Canadian, Don Nowschuk, complained that the police presence felt excessive. “There is so much security you would think it would be enough to secure the museum,” he remarked, adding that guns on patrol were “a bit weird” for a city used to firearms.
The cultural impact rippled further: the Palais Garnier and Opéra Bastille shuttered, and organizers of Art Basel Paris scrapped the weekend programme. The city’s cultural centres posted warnings on Friday, but many visitors were unaware that a museum could be closed.
City officials announced a 5:00 p.m. curfew in affected districts for the rest of the week, as authorities prepare for Saturday’s demonstrations. The Louvre remains closed until the curfew lifts, with visitors urged to check museum websites for updates.