PARIS (AP) — The Louvre, the world’s most-visited museum and a global symbol of art, beauty and endurance, has withstood war, terror, and pandemic — but on Monday, it was brought to a halt by its own striking staff, who say the institution is crumbling under the weight of mass tourism.

The Louvre Museum closed after staff walked out over overcrowding, decaying infrastructure and deep funding cuts, leaving visitors locked out in protest

The Louvre Museum closed its doors on June 16. Many visitors were left confused outside as they waited to visit the place.

The Louvre Museum delayed its opening on Monday, with staff citing an “emergency meeting” of senior officials about a subject they did not disclose. (AP Video shot by Laurie Kellman)

Staff refused to open the museum’s doors to thousands of visitors on Monday, citing over-tourism and crumbling infrastructure.