Labour leaders said 400 Louvre staff voted unanimously to strike on Monday.
The work stoppage aimed to protest poor working conditions, staffing shortages, and funding issues.
The museum closed its doors, blocking visitors from entering through the iconic glass pyramid.
The strike followed a brazen October jewellery heist that exposed security weaknesses.
The Louvre posted a notice confirming the exceptional closure and promised refunds for ticket holders.
Staff could meet again on Wednesday to decide whether to continue the strike.
The Louvre normally closes on Tuesdays, giving employees a chance to plan next steps.
Disappointed visitors, like Lindsey Hall from California, expressed frustration at missing a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
She described the museum as an epic collection everyone should see while acknowledging staff pressures.
Unresolved concerns fuel anger among employees
The strike followed talks between union leaders and Culture Minister Rachida Dati, which failed to resolve staff concerns.
Alexis Fritche of CFDT said, “Visiting the museum has become an obstacle course” due to overcrowding and understaffing.
Staff said the October heist crystallised long-standing worries over safety, workload, and working conditions.
Police later arrested the four suspects accused of stealing €88 million worth of jewels.
Investigators said thieves escaped in under 30 seconds, exploiting broken cameras and understaffed control rooms.
A Senate inquiry also highlighted poor coordination that initially sent police to the wrong location.
Unions demand action as museum faces crisis
CFDT called for more security staff, better visitor management, stable long-term budgets, and leadership that listens.
CGT official Yvan Navarro said visitor numbers rise while staff numbers and wages stagnate.
He said, “The increasing cost of living and declining staff numbers created today’s day of anger.”
The CFDT, CGT, and Sud unions warned the Louvre faces a deepening crisis without urgent reform.
France’s Culture Ministry appointed Philippe Jost to propose a major reorganisation of the museum.
Jost will collaborate with Louvre director Laurence des Cars and submit recommendations by the end of February.
Des Cars described the October heist as a “terrible failure” highlighting the urgent need for change.
