The Louvre partially reopened on Wednesday despite staff voting unanimously to extend a strike over pay and working conditions, union representatives said.
The museum’s management told the French news agency AFP that some areas were open even though not all spaces were accessible.
“The museum is opening and the first visitors are coming in,” the management said.
Staff meeting in a general assembly voted unanimously on Wednesday morning to continue the strike that had already stopped the Louvre opening on Monday. Tuesday is the museum’s weekly closing day.
“The strike notice has been maintained and the strike was voted unanimously,” said Valérie Baud, a representative of the CFDT union, speaking to reporters outside the museum.
Louvre museum closed as staff continue strike over working conditions
Opening delayed
A sign outside the glass pyramid told visitors that “the opening of the museum is currently delayed” and that the Louvre would communicate “the terms of a possible opening as soon as possible”.
Some visitors said they backed the workers.
“I am not angry because I respect the workers and they have to defend their rights,” said Maximilian Cimander, a 23-year-old German student in Paris for the week, speaking to AFP.
Others feared missing their chance to get in.
“We hope the museum will be open because we are going back to Japan on Thursday,” said Chika Nishi, a 29-year-old law student. “It’s now or never to visit it.”
Baud warned against reopening in these conditions, nearly two months after the theft of eight French crown jewels in a daytime robbery.
“The Louvre’s management must not put the safety of the museum at risk,” she said.
Fourth suspected Louvre thief remanded as €88m jewels remain missing
Ministry proposals rejected
Gary Guillaud of the CGT union said culture ministry proposals had been turned down.
“There was a unanimous refusal of the ministry’s proposals,” he said, calling them “undignified”.
Workers are protesting about staff shortages, building damage and higher prices for non-European visitors. The CFDT said at least 300 staff were at the assembly.
A crisis meeting took place on Monday at the culture ministry. “There is great exasperation among staff,” said Christian Galani, a CGT delegate.
The ministry has proposed cancelling a planned €5.7 million cut in funding for 2026, redeploying staff, opening recruitment for visitor services and surveillance roles and paying an exceptional bonus.
The Louvre announced emergency measures in early November, including anti-intrusion devices.
Culture Minister Rachida Dati has also assigned Philippe Jost, in charge of the Notre-Dame restoration site, a two-month mission to reorganise the museum.
(with AFP)
