The closure of the Louvre in Paris dashed the hopes of tourists who had traveled to the French capital to see the Mona Lisa, one of the world’s most famous works of art. They had to settle for catching glimpses of the museum from behind its iron gates.
In an unusual scene, visitors stood outside the closed gates, trying to get as close as possible to the museum that houses the Mona Lisa, amid a heavy security presence, Reuters reported.
The closure was part of precautionary measures taken by French authorities amid fears of further protests, following a wave of unrest across the country the previous week. The decision affected not only the Louvre but also other museums and cultural institutions in the French capital, disrupting the plans of tourists who had traveled long distances to visit its cultural landmarks.
Italian tourist Selina Bertoni, 31, said she had expected that something might go wrong but never imagined the museum would close entirely. Bertoni had paid €50 for two tickets to visit the Musée d’Orsay and see its Impressionist paintings, only to discover that her trip coincided with the closure.
The Musée d’Orsay was not the only disappointment. French visitor Heidi Rosar, 21, said the Louvre was the third museum she had found closed during her tour.
Rosar expressed frustration over the lack of advance warnings, which could have helped visitors adjust their plans and avoid wasting time traveling between closed institutions.
The measures also affected the Musée de l’Orangerie, the Jeu de Paume and the Picasso Museum, as well as the Tuileries Garden, a popular green space next to the Louvre, which was also closed.
The impact extended beyond museums. The Palais Garnier opera house and the Opéra Bastille in Paris were closed, while organizers of Art Basel Paris canceled the weekend’s events.
The measures came amid protests sparked by rising living costs and declining public services. The demonstrations included acts of violence, prompting the government to tighten security and close several public spaces.
Standing outside the closed gates, Canadian tourist Don Noshuk, 67, said he was surprised by the heavy security presence. He said he had wanted at least to see the famous glass pyramid in the Louvre courtyard.
In an unusual scene, visitors stood outside the closed gates, trying to get as close as possible to the museum that houses the Mona Lisa, amid a heavy security presence, Reuters reported.
The closure was part of precautionary measures taken by French authorities amid fears of further protests, following a wave of unrest across the country the previous week. The decision affected not only the Louvre but also other museums and cultural institutions in the French capital, disrupting the plans of tourists who had traveled long distances to visit its cultural landmarks.
Italian tourist Selina Bertoni, 31, said she had expected that something might go wrong but never imagined the museum would close entirely. Bertoni had paid €50 for two tickets to visit the Musée d’Orsay and see its Impressionist paintings, only to discover that her trip coincided with the closure.
The Musée d’Orsay was not the only disappointment. French visitor Heidi Rosar, 21, said the Louvre was the third museum she had found closed during her tour.
Rosar expressed frustration over the lack of advance warnings, which could have helped visitors adjust their plans and avoid wasting time traveling between closed institutions.
The measures also affected the Musée de l’Orangerie, the Jeu de Paume and the Picasso Museum, as well as the Tuileries Garden, a popular green space next to the Louvre, which was also closed.
The impact extended beyond museums. The Palais Garnier opera house and the Opéra Bastille in Paris were closed, while organizers of Art Basel Paris canceled the weekend’s events.
The measures came amid protests sparked by rising living costs and declining public services. The demonstrations included acts of violence, prompting the government to tighten security and close several public spaces.
Standing outside the closed gates, Canadian tourist Don Noshuk, 67, said he was surprised by the heavy security presence. He said he had wanted at least to see the famous glass pyramid in the Louvre courtyard.
