Louvre Strike Deepens as Security Failures and Jewel Heist Shake World’s Most Visited Museum

The Louvre strike entered a tougher phase this week as staff pushed back over security lapses, building damage, and a major jewel heist. Workers walked out in Paris after years of warnings about weak safety systems and low staffing. The strike has forced limited access for visitors and raised new fears about how the museum is run.The unrest follows an October robbery in which thieves stole crown jewels worth more than $100 million. The heist exposed gaps in cameras, alarms, and response times. It also fueled long-held concerns about the aging building and slow upgrades.

Louvre Strike Expands After $102 Million Jewel Heist

Staff say the strike is about more than pay. They say it is about the future of the Louvre. According to AP News and Reuters, workers reported that parts of the building are no longer safe. Some areas have weak floor beams. Others were closed after water leaks harmed collections.The jewel heist pushed tensions even higher. A French Senate inquiry found that only one of two cameras was working in the break‑in zone. Police were sent to the wrong location after the alarm. Investigators said the thieves escaped with less than 30 seconds to spare.Unions say the robbery confirmed what they warned for years. They say upgrades were delayed and staff were stretched thin. They rejected new government offers for more guards and funds, calling them too small to fix the core problems.The strike has forced the museum to open only a short “masterpiece route.” It lets visitors see the “Mona Lisa” and a few main works. Many tourists arrived to locked galleries and long lines.

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The building itself is under strain. Reports show fragile beams in the Campana Gallery. Staff were moved and halls closed with no clear reopening date. A major renovation plan launched in 2025 has not kept pace with the repairs needed. Auditors found delays in rolling out modern security equipment.Staff also oppose a plan to move the “Mona Lisa” to a special room with its own entrance. The idea is to reduce crowd pressure. But unions say it shows poor priorities. They want money used for repairs and security, not for new tourist paths.Leadership concerns grew after the government brought in Philippe Jost, who led the Notre Dame restoration, to help reorganize the Louvre. Many saw it as a sign of doubt in the museum’s current management.Former director Jean‑Luc Martinez denied blame for the heist in a Senate hearing. He said he believed the earlier security plan was sufficient. But lawmakers said key improvements were never completed.

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The Louvre strike now looks set to continue. Staff say they will not return until deeper changes are made. The jewel heist and the strike have placed the Louvre under global attention and renewed calls for stronger security and leadership.

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Q1: Why did the Louvre strike start?

Staff say the Louvre strike began due to low staffing, security failures, and building damage. They say the issues grew worse after the jewel heist. Workers want long-term fixes.

Q2: How much was stolen in the Louvre heist?

Officials say thieves stole crown jewels worth more than $100 million. The robbery took place in October. It exposed major gaps in cameras and response systems.

Q3: How is the strike affecting visitors?

The museum has opened only a limited route. Visitors can see the “Mona Lisa” but many galleries remain closed. Long waits and confusion have been common.

Q4: What building problems does the Louvre face?

Reports show weak support beams and leaks in some areas. Staff also warn of old infrastructure and slow repairs. Several rooms were closed for safety reasons.

Q5: What changes are unions asking for?

They want more staff, better equipment, and real structural repairs. They also want stronger security across the museum. They say small fixes will not solve the deeper problems.