Source : BRICS NEWS
PARIS, October 24, 2026 — Paris is shutting the Louvre and other major tourist attractions on Saturday over fears of violent protests, BRICS News reported on X, as the French capital braces for a day of mass demonstrations.
The post, published at about 2.18am Malaysia time on Saturday and marked “JUST IN”, read: “Paris to shut down the Louvre and other major tourist attractions over fears of violent protests on Saturday.”
https://x.com/BRICSinfo/status/2113696603320037837
The Louvre, the world’s most visited museum, has confirmed on its website that it will be exceptionally closed on Saturday, October 24, 2026, because of demonstrations planned in Paris. Visitors who booked tickets for that day will be refunded automatically, the museum said.
According to franceinfo, the French Culture Ministry announced on Thursday evening the closure of several institutions in the capital for the whole of Saturday, including the Musée d’Orsay, the Musée de l’Orangerie, the Picasso Museum and the Grand Palais. The ministry called on all establishments under its supervision to take every measure to ensure “the safety of visitors”, “the protection of staff” and “the preservation of works”, describing the closures as preventive.
Franceinfo said the Louvre had already been disrupted this week and was closed on Monday because of a blockade by students. Several businesses in central Paris have also decided to close, and the Art Basel contemporary art fair at the Grand Palais cancelled its final two days on Saturday and Sunday as a precaution.
Other sites announced closures too. Local guide Sortiraparis reported that the Arc de Triomphe, the Petit Palais, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, the Maison de Victor Hugo, the Jardin des Plantes and the National Archives Museum would all be closed on Saturday, along with the Tuileries Garden.
According to Sortiraparis, the demonstration has been authorised to take place between Bastille and Nation in eastern Paris. It said 24 metro stations would be closed and that 70,000 police officers and gendarmes would be deployed across France.
The precautions follow serious unrest last weekend. According to the BBC, around 550,000 people joined demonstrations across France on October 17 against rising fuel prices, the cost of living and school conditions, but the largely peaceful marches were overshadowed by riots and looting. Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin said 2,700 people had been arrested nationwide and 217 jailed after fast-track trials. President Emmanuel Macron said only authorised union marches would be allowed on Saturday, and Marseille and Lyon have banned protests altogether this weekend.
The closures come amid wider security measures in the capital. Paris authorities have extended a night-time curfew around Place de la République and the Les Halles district from 11pm to 6am until October 26, with the police prefecture citing incidents and damage in those areas. République, Châtelet, Les Halles and Châtelet–Les Halles stations are also closing from 10pm between October 23 and 25 at the prefecture’s request, while some concerts and shows have been cancelled or moved.
Visitors planning trips to Paris this weekend have been advised to check the websites of museums and transport operators before setting out. The Louvre has reminded the public that reservations are required for visits until November 1.
Source: BRICS News on X, the Louvre, franceinfo and Sortiraparis.
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