Paris museums close over protest fears, blocking Mona Lisa viewings

Paris museums, including the Louvre, closed Saturday as a precaution ahead of fresh demonstrations, blocking tourists from seeing the Mona Lisa and other artworks. The closures followed nationwide protests over living costs and public services that turned violent last week, prompting curfews and venue shutdowns. Disappointed visitors, some with prepaid tickets, found gates locked without prior warning. The shutdown also affected the Paris Opera and Art Basel fair, with tourists questioning the necessity of the heavy security presence and expressing frustration over the lack of advance notice.