Mona Lisa inaccessible as Paris closes museums amid fears of fresh protests

Tourists visiting Paris were left disappointed on Saturday after the Louvre Museum and several other major cultural attractions closed their doors as authorities prepared for further demonstrations amid concerns over public safety.

Tourists visiting Paris were left disappointed on Saturday after the Louvre Museum and several other major cultural attractions closed their doors as authorities prepared for further demonstrations amid concerns over public safety.

The closures prevented visitors from seeing Leonardo da Vinci’s world-famous painting the Mona Lisa as security measures were tightened across the French capital. Other affected attractions included the Musée d’Orsay, Musée de l’Orangerie, Jeu de Paume and Picasso Museum. The Tuileries Gardens which extend from the Louvre were also sealed off.

The shutdowns followed nationwide demonstrations over the rising cost of living and deteriorating public services. Protests a week earlier had escalated into serious street violence and property damage prompting authorities to introduce localised curfews and restrict access to public venues ahead of the planned weekend demonstrations.

The unexpected restrictions disrupted holiday plans for visitors who had travelled to Paris to explore its renowned museums and art collections.

Selena Bertoni a 31-year-old Italian social educator said she had not expected the Musée d’Orsay to close during her four-day visit. She had spent €50 on two tickets to see its Impressionist paintings and other famous artworks.

Other tourists expressed frustration after discovering that multiple museums were inaccessible. French visitor Heidi Rosar, 21 said the Paris museum she had attempted to visit was the third to be closed during her trip.

Canadian visitor Don Nowschuk 67 said he had hoped to see at least the Louvre’s iconic glass pyramid. He questioned whether the extensive security presence in the city justified shutting down the entire attraction.

The disruption extended beyond museums to the performing arts and international art events.

The Paris Opera suspended activities at both the Palais Garnier and Opéra Bastille citing concerns for the safety of employees and audiences.

Meanwhile organisers of the prestigious Art Basel Paris fair cancelled its weekend programme adding to the disruption across the capital’s cultural sector.

Cultural institutions issued warnings about the planned closures on Friday although some visitors said they had not checked the latest announcements before travelling to the venues.

The measures reflect authorities’ efforts to limit potential risks as Paris prepares for further demonstrations following the recent unrest.

The closures highlight how public protests and security concerns can affect tourism cultural events and visitors’ plans in one of the world’s leading destinations for art and heritage.