World · Europe · 2 hrs ago
Louvre and other Paris museums to close ahead of planned protests
The Louvre and several Paris museums will close on Saturday ahead of planned protests in the French capital.
The closures include the Musée d’Orsay, the Musée de l’Orangerie, the Picasso Museum and the Grand Palais.
The decision follows violent unrest in Paris last weekend, when people set fires, smashed shop windows and clashed with police.
France’s Culture Ministry asked institutions under its authority to protect visitors, staff and artworks.
Art Basel Paris canceled its weekend program and opened to the public on Friday only.
The planned protests are part of wider demonstrations over social demands, and the closures are a precaution against further unrest.
Several major Paris museums will close on Saturday, October 24, as a precaution ahead of planned protests.
The Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Musée de l’Orangerie, Musée National Picasso and Grand Palais are among the institutions expected to shut.
France’s Culture Ministry said the closures were intended to protect visitors, staff and artworks amid fears of unrest.
Art Basel Paris has also cancelled its final two public days, and some galleries and foundations have announced closures.
Protesters and unions are calling for educational reform, a lower cost of living and an end to police violence.
- Who
- Major Paris museums, including the Louvre, will close. Protesters and labor unions are expected to mobilize.
- What
- Several institutions will shut on Saturday as a precaution ahead of planned demonstrations.
- When
- Saturday, October 24, 2026.
- Where
- Paris, France.
- Why
- The Culture Ministry cited concerns about possible unrest and the safety of visitors, staff and artworks.
Protesters and labor unions
French authorities
Protest aims
Protesters and labor unions
Protesters are calling for educational reform, a lower cost of living and an end to police violence. The National Union of Visual Artists says it seeks to defend access to culture and decent conditions for art workers.
French authorities
Authorities are taking precautions against possible unrest and say measures are intended to protect visitors, staff and artworks.
Demonstrations
Protesters and labor unions
A union-led rally has moved to Place de la Bastille after the fair’s early closure and an order to refrain from entering the city center.
French authorities
Authorities have moved to ban “illegitimate” protests nationwide, while registered union demonstration requests will be examined under the law and may be required to use alternative routes.
Students blocked an entrance to the Louvre in a protest against police violence and austerity measures.
The Culture Ministry called on institutions under its authority to take measures to protect visitors, staff and artworks.
Art Basel Paris decided to cancel its two remaining public days, Saturday and Sunday.
Several Paris museums are due to close as demonstrations are expected.
- Museum closures
- Saturday, October 24, 2026
- Museums named
- Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Musée de l’Orangerie, Musée National Picasso and Grand Palais
- Art Basel Paris
- Cancelled its final two public days, Saturday and Sunday
- Rally location
- Place de la Bastille
- Other closures
- Fondation Cartier will close Saturday and Sunday; Fondation Louis Vuitton will close Saturday
4 sources
What people are saying
to defend culture for everyone and decent conditions for art workers.
That the fair is canceling its weekend under pressure from the social movement is a victory