Paris Shuts Louvre and Other Museums as Protests Loom

Paris museums, including the Louvre, shut Saturday over protest fears, blocking tourists from the Mona Lisa ahead of fresh demonstrations. The closures followed last week's violent cost-of-living protests that prompted curfews and venue shutdowns. The Musée d'Orsay, Orangerie, Jeu de Paume, and Picasso museums also closed, with the Tuileries Gardens sealed off. Disappointed visitors like Italian Selena Bertoni, who paid €50 for tickets, said they weren't warned. The Paris Opera and Art Basel fair also cancelled events. Tourists questioned the response, with Canadian Don Nowschuk calling it an overreaction despite heavy police presence. Some visitors said they never thought to check for closure notices, assuming museums would remain open.