Paris Museums to Close Amid Anticipated Protests and Violence
Paris museums, including the Louvre, will close Saturday due to fears of violence during planned protests.
2 min read
Paris’ major museums, including the Louvre, will close on Saturday due to concerns over potential violence during planned protests, according to France’s culture ministry. The ministry announced the closures in a statement to The Associated Press, citing the need to ensure visitor safety, staff protection, and the preservation of artworks.
Other institutions, such as the Orsay and Picasso museums, are also closing. The decision follows last Saturday’s protests, which turned chaotic with rioters setting fires, smashing shop windows, looting, and clashing with police. The ministry urged all institutions under its authority to take necessary measures to safeguard the public and cultural assets.
Art Basel Paris, one of the world’s most prestigious contemporary art fairs, is also adjusting its schedule. After two days of invite-only access, the event opened to the public on Friday but canceled its weekend program due to the threat of unrest. The Grand Palais is hosting 211 international galleries for the fair, which organizers describe as “the art Olympics.”
Despite the event’s high profile, timing proved unfortunate, as Paris faces significant social tensions. The clashes and widespread looting over the weekend marked France’s most violent unrest in years. A protest on Thursday was peaceful, but the planned Saturday demonstration is expected to be much larger.
Art Basel’s organizers emphasized that the decision to close was not made lightly, with the safety of participants being their top priority. Weekend ticket holders will be contacted regarding the change. Visitors like Saloni Doshi, an art collector from India, expressed understanding, noting that public safety must come first.
Gallery owners Antoine Donzeaud and Elisa Rigoulet of exo exo also supported the decision, calling it reasonable and consistent with the urgency of the social demands in France. The closures reflect a broader trend of caution in the city as authorities prioritize public safety over cultural events amid rising tensions.
Source: Breitbart
