Mona Lisa off limits as Paris shuts museums

Paris: Disappointed tourists were unable to view the Mona Lisa on Saturday as museums and galleries across the city closed their doors as a precaution ahead of upcoming demonstrations. Selena Bertoni, a 31-year-old Italian social educator, expressed her surprise at the Louvre's closure, having paid €50 for two tickets to see its Impressionist paintings and other masterpieces.

The closures followed one week of nationwide protests over the cost of living and deteriorating public services, which had escalated into significant street violence. This led to the imposition of localized curfews and the closure of numerous public venues in anticipation of further demonstrations planned for Saturday.

The shutdown affected major tourist destinations, including the Orangerie, Jeu de Paume, and Picasso museums, as well as the entire Tuileries Gardens complex surrounding the Louvre. Visitors, such as Heidi Rosar from France and Don Nowschuk from Canada, expressed frustration at the unexpected closures. Nowschuk suggested that the extensive security presence might be excessive, given the presence of numerous armed police officers throughout the city.

Despite warnings about the closures posted on Friday, some tourists were caught off guard, lamenting their lack of awareness.

The disruptions extended to the performing arts sector, with the Paris Opera shutting down both the Palais Garnier and the Opera Bastille due to safety concerns. Additionally, organizers of the prestigious Art Basel Paris fair canceled its weekend program. Visitors like Catherine Sebbagh, a 59-year-old French woman, lamented their naivety in assuming that museums could not be closed under such circumstances.