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The Louvre was closed Monday, October 19, due to about 50 protesting arts and culture students, who blocked its glass pyramid entrance.
“Dear visitors, due to student strikes, the museum is currently closed. We apologize for the inconvenience.” - The Louver announced on social media in English and French. The museum did not share when it would reopen.
Monday’s blockade followed unrest that spread across France over the weekend and was led by students from the École du Louvre, a prestigious and highly selective program run by the French Ministry of Culture that welcomes students from around the world each year to study archaeology, art history, anthropology, and epigraphy. According to Le Monde, students in the program said they were acting in solidarity with a nationwide high school protest movement and to denounce what they described as “police repression.”
No damage was reportedly done to the Louvre, and protesters were not able to enter the glass pyramid, according to Artnews.com.
Demonstrations in Paris also disrupted operations at other museums, leading to unexpected closures and staff walkouts.
