Louvre Closes as France Deploys Thousands of Police Ahead of Nationwide Protests

PARIS, France — The Louvre Museum and other cultural institutions in Paris are closing Saturday, October 24, 2026, as French authorities implement heightened security measures ahead of demonstrations expected across the country.

France’s Ministry of the Interior announced a nationwide security operation in preparation for the demonstrations, following incidents of violence, looting and confrontations with police during protests the previous weekend. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez has been cited as saying approximately 70,000 police officers and gendarmes would be mobilized to maintain public order and protect people and property.

The Louvre, one of the world’s most visited museums, announced that it would remain closed Saturday because of the demonstrations. Museum officials said reservations for the affected date would be automatically refunded. The closure comes as authorities prepare for large gatherings in the capital and other French cities, with additional security measures planned around public buildings, transportation routes and major gathering places.

The French Interior Ministry said the security operation would include increased police staffing, specialized tactical units and additional surveillance of transportation hubs and major roads. Authorities have been instructed to review planned protest routes, assess the reliability of demonstration organizers and consider restrictions in areas where businesses or public buildings could face an increased risk of damage. Officials may prohibit demonstrations in certain locations if they determine there is a substantial threat of looting or destruction.

The heightened security measures follow demonstrations on October 17 that French authorities said resulted in attacks on government buildings, widespread damage to businesses and violent confrontations with law enforcement. The Interior Ministry said police would conduct additional checks at train stations and along major transportation routes to identify individuals carrying materials that could be used in violent incidents. Specialized units, including RAID, BRI and GIGN personnel, are among the resources being deployed.

Paris officials have also announced extensive preparations to protect public spaces and municipal facilities. City workers began removing construction materials, movable barriers, glass recycling containers and other objects that could potentially be used to damage property. Residents and business owners were advised to secure outdoor furniture, bicycles, trash containers and other items ahead of the demonstrations.

Several public events have been canceled, including activities associated with the city’s Mon Premier Festival in central Paris. More than 1,000 sanitation workers are being mobilized throughout the weekend to remove debris and restore public areas affected by any disturbances. The city also activated its crisis management center at noon Saturday to coordinate municipal services with the Paris police prefecture.

French authorities said law enforcement would respond to attacks against people or property and that judicial resources would be available to process arrests and gather evidence. The Interior Ministry emphasized that police use of force must remain proportionate and comply with applicable laws.

The security measures are intended to allow lawful demonstrations to proceed while preventing a recurrence of the violence reported the previous weekend. Officials have urged residents, businesses and visitors to remain alert as demonstrations take place throughout France.