Students from the École du Louvre blocked the museum’s entrances on Monday, two days after cost of living protests turned violent across France. Read more below
Tamrah News Desk | October 19, 2026
The Louvre protest closed the Paris museum on Monday, October 19, after students blocked its entrances to back a high school movement and denounce police repression, according to The Local France. The Louvre closure came as Paris protests continued after a violent weekend of cost of living demonstrations.
What Happened at the Louvre
Euronews reported that demonstrators blocked the entrances, with a sign on the gates reading “Entrance closed” while protesters handed out leaflets to people passing by. Artnet said the glass pyramid entrance was blocked at the usual 9 a.m. opening time, with protesters chanting and waving flags of the CGT trade union.
The museum posted on X, as relayed by UNN, that
“due to student strikes, the museum is currently closed.”
The CGT said the Louvre museum blocked by the action would stay shut at least until noon, according to The Local France. Sortiraparis reported that no reopening time had been announced.
Who Are the École du Louvre Students Behind the Blockade?
Museum management told AFP that about 50 École du Louvre students are involved, according to Sortiraparis. The Local France reported that students from a fine arts school also joined. The CGT backs the action but is not taking part. Management said the museum is not the direct target and is being used as a platform for the protest.
A first year École du Louvre student told Euronews the aim was to bring the cultural sector into the movement, citing budget cuts and worsening working conditions. Newsweek reported that a leaflet described the action as “blocking the largest museum in the world.”
Why the Louvre Protest Is Linked to Cost of Living Protests
The high school protests began in mid September, The Local France reported. They grew on Saturday, when cost of living protests drew about 550,000 people by official count and about 800,000 by organisers’ count, ITV News reported.
The Associated Press reported at least 1,800 arrests across France after violent groups clashed with police and looted shops. France 24 later reported nearly 2,400 arrests and almost 1,000 injured police officers, citing the interior ministry.
President Emmanuel Macron said in a televised address on Sunday that
the violence, France 24 reported. The AP reported that he blamed far left groups and criminals and said looters would have to pay for the damage. CNN reported that officials are exploring curfews and that Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez offered to resign, which Macron refused.
Timing and Visitor Impact
Artnet noted that the blockade fell on the first anniversary of the Louvre crown jewels theft. Sortiraparis, citing Franceinfo, made the same point. According to Artnet, the museum drew more than 9 million visitors last year and welcomes well over 20,000 on its busiest days.
Is the Louvre Open Today?
Sortiraparis reported that the museum’s official site showed a closure tied to the student protest. Visitors with tickets should check the alert on the Louvre’s website before travelling.
What Happens Next in the Paris Protests
Bloomberg reported that the weekend violence has raised alert levels across Europe. According to CNN, Macron said he would pursue international initiatives on fuel prices and fuel supply with Gulf nations. Read Tamrah News coverage of France cost of living protests.
FAQs
What is the Louvre protest about?
Students from the École du Louvre blocked the entrances to support high school protests and denounce police repression, according to The Local France. Euronews also reported criticism of budget cuts.
Why is the Louvre closed today?
The museum said student strikes forced the Louvre closure, as relayed by UNN.
Who is behind the Louvre museum blocked action?
About 50 École du Louvre students, per museum management cited by Sortiraparis. The CGT supports but is not participating.
When will the Louvre reopen?
No reopening time had been announced in the reports reviewed. The CGT said it would stay closed until at least noon.
How are cost of living protests linked to the Paris protests?
The Louvre blockade came two days after nationwide cost of living protests that turned violent, according to The Local France and the AP.
Were other Paris tourist areas affected?
ITV News reported looting and damage in other tourist and shopping districts over the weekend.
