Key Takeaways
- Paris museums and galleries shut down as a precaution ahead of demonstrations.
- Tourists report feeling let down by the unexpected closures.
- Performing arts venues also cancelled events due to safety concerns.
Parisian museums and galleries were closed to the public on Saturday, leaving disappointed tourists to wonder why they had paid for tickets. The closures were implemented as a precautionary measure ahead of planned demonstrations over the cost of living and public services.
Italian social educator Selena Bertoni, 31, expressed her disappointment, stating, 'When we came, we thought there could be a problem but not that the museum would be closed.' She had paid €50 for two tickets to see Impressionist paintings and other masterpieces at the Musée d’Orsay.
The closures extended to the Louvre, where the entire site, including the iconic glass pyramid, was sealed off. 'This is the third museum we have come to that is closed. They should’ve warned us,' said French visitor Heidi Rosar, 21.
The shutdowns affected not only the Louvre but also other major cultural institutions such as the Orangerie, Jeu de Paume, and Picasso museums. The Tuileries Gardens complex, which leads out of the Louvre, was also sealed off.
The closures extended beyond just the visual arts. The Paris Opera shuttered both the Palais Garnier and the Opéra Bastille, citing safety concerns for staff and audiences. The prestigious Art Basel Paris fair also cancelled its weekend programme.
While some cultural centres posted warnings on Friday, many visitors were unaware of the closures. 'How could we have known? We didn’t think a museum could be closed. We are a bit naive,' said 59-year-old French woman Catherine Sebbagh.
The closures have raised questions about the level of security in the city. 'There is so much security that you would think it would be enough to secure the museum,' said 67-year-old Canadian Don Nowschuk. 'It’s a bit weird to see so many cops with guns around Paris. We are used to guns but not like this.'
The demonstrations, which began one week ago, have caused some of the worst street violence in France in years. The government has imposed localised curfews and closed many public venues ahead of the planned demonstrations on Saturday.
When we came, we thought there could be a problem but not that the museum would be closed.
Selena Bertoni, Italian social educator, 31
This is the third museum we have come to that is closed. They should’ve warned us.
Heidi Rosar, French visitor, 21
There is so much security that you would think it would be enough to secure the museum.
Don Nowschuk, Canadian, 67
