• Employees protest over working conditions
• Museum closed as visitors express disappointment

The Louvre Museum closed its doors to thousands of visitors on Monday after employees launched a rolling strike to protest working conditions at the Paris landmark, about two months after a shocking theft.

Employees gathered in front of the famous glass pyramid and stood at the main entrance holding signs, while security personnel prevented visitors from entering. One sign read: “The Louvre Is on Strike,” as protesting staff chanted: “All together, the Louvre belongs to us!”

Workers are demanding an increase in staffing levels and the adoption of measures to address overcrowding, which is placing additional strain on the world’s most visited museum, especially with the Christmas holiday period approaching in France.

Elise Muller, one of the security guards, told journalists: “We are angry, and we do not agree with the way the Louvre is being managed.”

The strike comes about two months after the museum was hit by an embarrassing daytime theft, during which jewelry valued at around $102 million was stolen.

A sign in the museum’s courtyard announced that the Louvre would remain closed on Monday.

The CGT and CFDT labor unions indicated that around 400 employees unanimously voted during a general assembly to launch the strike, which could be renewed in protest against the “deterioration” of working conditions.

Another general assembly meeting was scheduled for Wednesday, noting that the museum is closed on Tuesdays.

Visitors expressed their disappointment. Minsoo Kim, 37, visiting from Seoul with his wife on their honeymoon, said: “I’m very frustrated. Visiting the Louvre was the main reason for our trip—to see the Mona Lisa.”

Natalya Brown, 28, from London, said: “We understand why they are striking, but it’s an unfortunate time for people.”