Paris museums to close Saturday over protest violence fears

The Louvre and other major Paris museums will close Saturday due to concerns over potential violence during planned protests, France's culture ministry announced. The Orsay and Picasso museums are also affected. The closures follow last Saturday's unrest, which included fires, looting, and clashes with police. The ministry cited visitor safety, staff protection, and artwork preservation as reasons. Art Basel Paris also canceled its weekend program, though it opened to the public Friday. The protests stem from broader social tensions in France, marking the country's most violent unrest in years. A Thursday protest was peaceful, but Saturday's is expected to be larger. Organizers and attendees expressed understanding, prioritizing safety over the event's continuation.