Paris museums close Saturday over protest violence fears

Several major Paris museums will close Saturday, October 24, due to fears of violence at planned demonstrations. The Louvre, Orsay, Orangerie, Picasso Museum, and Grand Palais will be exceptionally shut, a decision announced Thursday by the Culture Ministry. The closures follow riots on October 17, prompting authorities to strengthen security. The ministry urged all cultural institutions to ensure visitor safety, staff protection, and artwork preservation. Paris City Hall called for "greatest vigilance" against potential violence from "casseurs" unrelated to social movements. A nighttime curfew is set through October 25 near République and Les Halles. Art Basel Paris at the Grand Palais will close Friday at 7 PM, cutting two public days short, after drawing 73,000 visitors last year.