Paris museums close as 70,000 officers deploy for cost-of-living protests

Paris authorities have closed several major museums ahead of planned Saturday protests against the high cost of living. The Culture Ministry announced the exceptional closure of the Louvre, Orsay, Orangerie, Picasso-Paris and Grand Palais for Saturday, 24 October.

The decision follows violent unrest during demonstrations on 17 October, when rioters set fires, attacked public buildings, smashed shop windows and looted businesses. Officials described it as the most serious episode of disorder in France in years.

“We will be absolutely inflexible with those who take part in acts of violence.”

Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said around 70,000 police and gendarmes will be deployed across France on Saturday. Helicopters, armoured vehicles and water cannons will support the operation, along with elite police units tasked with protecting public buildings such as town halls.

Nuñez warned that police will be absolutely inflexible toward anyone committing violence and will take a very firm approach to arrests. He also cited social media calls from radical far-left groups for violence, vandalism and looting.

The Tuileries Garden will also be closed on Saturday, partly because of storm Austen. The Culture Ministry has urged all institutions under its authority to take necessary measures to protect visitors, staff and artworks.

Protests are expected in Paris, Marseille and other cities, though some marches have been banned in Lyon, Nice and Montpellier for security reasons. Students, CGT union members and yellow vest activists plan to join the demonstrations.