Paris Museums Close Amid Nationwide Protests in France

On October 23, 2026, major museums in Paris shut their doors and law enforcement prepared for another wave of protests across France. Recent demonstrations have been marked by violence, prompting authorities to take significant measures to maintain order.

The Interior Minister, Laurent Nuñez, announced the deployment of 70,000 officers nationwide. The force will include helicopters, armored vehicles, and water cannons to control the expected massive turnout. Last week, over half a million people participated in protests, causing significant disruption.

The Champs-Elysées and other prominent areas in Paris saw shopkeepers fortifying their businesses. In addition, cultural sites like the Louvre, Orsay Museum, Picasso Museum, and the Grand Palais closed in anticipation of the unrest. The prestigious Art Basel event, which opened briefly, had its weekend events canceled due to security concerns.

Areas around Place de la République, a hotspot in previous demonstrations, witnessed businesses boarding up windows to prevent looting. Last weekend saw about 3,000 shops across France affected by damage or theft. The protests, initially sparked by student demonstrations in southeast Paris over school conditions, have broadened to include demands for solutions to rising living costs.

While protest marches are scheduled in cities like Paris and Marseille, local governments have banned some rallies in Lyon, Nice, and Montpellier. The unrest has not been confined to Paris alone. In Limoges, an arson attack almost destroyed the city’s 19th-century city hall.

Around 50 organizations, including labor unions, left-wing parties, and student groups, plan to protest against the far-right during a two-day congress of Marine Le Pen’s party. These protests are part of a broader movement ahead of the upcoming presidential election, focusing on issues such as anti-immigration policies.