The Louvre, the world's most visited museum, abruptly shut down due to a strike over overcrowding and poor working conditions. Here's why the closure matters for tourists and the future of global heritage travel.

The Louvre Museum in Paris, home to the Mona Lisa, unexpectedly shut down due to a staff strike, leaving tourists stranded. Workers cite unbearable conditions from mass tourism, understaffing, and neglected infrastructure.

In the wake of that growing movement, workers at the Louvre reportedly spontaneously decided to walk out during a standard staff meeting on Monday, per the AP. Gallery attendants, ticket takers, and security all refused to operate their posts, complaining that the crowds have become unmanageable and the museum is understaffed.