“we are blocking the world’s largest museum”: Louvre shuts as students back protests
The Louvre closed in Paris after students blocked its entrances on October 19, demanding more funding for education and culture and supporting wider protests in France.
The Louvre Museum in Paris remained closed on Monday, October 19, after students blocked its entrances in support of the wider student protest movement demanding better education conditions and increased government funding for public services.
Students from the École du Louvre gathered outside the museum early in the morning, preventing it from opening to visitors at its scheduled time of 9 a.m. The blockade took place as France faced growing unrest following a weekend of protests, riots and looting.
“Don't watch us, join us!” students chanted outside the museum as disappointed visitors gathered near the blocked entrances. Some tourists expressed frustration over the closure, while others said they understood the students’ anger.
The students said their action was intended to support high school students and call for increased funding for education and culture. A leaflet distributed in French and English at the museum entrances stated: “We are proud to announce that we are blocking the world's largest museum.”
The leaflet also accused the government of neglecting public services and condemned what it described as police repression. It called for the right to study, work and live freely in decent conditions.
Anna, an 18-year-old first-year student at the École du Louvre, said visitors had gathered outside before the museum was due to open and attempted to push past the barriers. The museum ultimately remained closed to avoid possible unrest.
The Louvre said it would not comment on the protest, describing it as a student-led action that was not directly connected to the museum. However, Anna said students did not see themselves as separate from the institution, which she described as a place of learning, future plans and work.
The demonstration also received support from representatives of the CGT labour union. Christian Galani, secretary of the union’s section at the Louvre, said members had joined to support the students and help maintain safety for protesters and visitors amid the tense atmosphere.
The blockade was part of a broader movement involving students from several schools and universities across Paris. Louis, a student involved in the mobilisation, said around 10 high schools and universities in the Latin Quarter had been working together for two weeks to amplify the voices of high school students.
Students cited absent teachers, deteriorating school buildings and difficulties keeping up with lessons among the problems they had experienced. They said they wanted to show solidarity with younger students and draw attention to conditions in the education system.
