Louvre Ends Strike Threat With Union Agreement, Pledges 50 Security Hires in 2027

The Louvre signed an agreement with unions on Thursday, ending a strike threat that had closed the Paris museum entirely for four days, Robb Report reported. The deal pledges 50 new security personnel in 2027 and a €50 monthly raise for security staff. The Louvre is France's national art museum and the world's most visited, drawing about 9 million annual visitors to 35,000 works across 13.5 km of galleries.

What the Louvre Conceded to Unions

The agreement follows strikes that began in December and forced the museum to close entirely for four days and partially for another four days. The Louvre pledged to hire 50 new security personnel in 2027, or about 100 new hires in total by 2028, according to Le Quotidien de l'Art and other French reports. The museum will also improve pay for certain categories of workers, including the €50 ($56) monthly raise for security staff.

"The more of us there are carrying out our surveillance duties, the more we will deter criminals from targeting our institution," Christian Galani, a representative of the French union CGT, told AFP. A museum representative told AFP that "the signature of the agreement amounts to a positive step for the Louvre."

Alexis Fritche, leader of the CFDT-Culture union, told Le Quotidien de l'Art that the unions will quickly ask for a meeting on the management and prioritization of the construction works. Fritche said they still have very little visibility on the safety and security plan announced in November 2025.

The Renovation Behind the Dispute

According to akta.pro company records, France selected an international team including STUDIOS Architecture Paris and Selldorf Architects in May 2026 to carry out the Louvre New Renaissance overhaul, a signature initiative of President Emmanuel Macron. The project is expected to cost 700-800 million euros, though the French Court of Auditors estimates 1.15 billion euros, and includes a dedicated space for the Mona Lisa with separate ticketing and a new eastern entrance. The same records put the October 2025 theft of French crown jewels from the Apollo Gallery at €88 million, about $102 million.

How the Louvre Reached This Point

On October 14, 2026, Louvre boss Christophe Leribault warned the museum risks closing to the public without major renovations, citing structural problems and overcapacity, and said public funding would need approval after next year's national elections, Yahoo reported. On October 19, protesters blocked the entrance to the Louvre, leading to a temporary closure, Jiemian reported. On October 1, the Louvre launched a fundraising appeal to renovate the Cour du Sphinx in the Denon wing, seeking 800,000 euros, Yahoo reported.

What Comes Next for the Louvre

Fritche said the unions will quickly request a meeting on the management and prioritization of the construction works. Nationwide protests in France have a next action planned for Saturday, October 31.