Some 70,000 law enforcement officers will be deployed across France on Saturday while the Louvre and several other major Paris mus...
Published on October 23, 2026
Some 70,000 law enforcement officers will be deployed across France on Saturday while the Louvre and several other major Paris museums will be closed as authorities seek to prevent renewed violence during planned protests.
Protests last week devolved into mayhem, with people setting fires, storming public buildings, smashing shop windows, looting and clashing with police. It was France's most violent unrest in years.
In a statement to media, the Culture Ministry said the Louvre, the Orsay and Picasso museums as well as the Grand Palais would be closed. The ministry called on all institutions under its authority to adopt any necessary measures to ensure "visitor safety, staff protection and the preservation of artworks," according to the statement.
After two days when admission was by invitation only, Art Basel Paris opened to the public Friday — but only for the day, with the threat of unrest prompting organizers to cancel the weekend program. One of the world's most prestigious contemporary art fairs, Art Basel includes exhibitions by 211 international galleries at Paris' Grand Palais.
"This decision has not been taken lightly, and the safety of everyone involved in the fair remains our utmost priority," organizers said in a statement Thursday.
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