On Monday, Louvre security and reception staffers went on strike, shutting down the Paris institution. The Sud Culture Solidaires Union said the Louvre, which welcomed a record number of 10.2 million visitors last year, “is suffocating” due to management’s failure to address overcrowding issues, adequately update emergency evacuation procedures, and maintain positive visitor and employee experiences.

“While numbers have increased by more than 20 percent since 2009, the museum has not gotten any bigger,” said the union. “In spite of the museum management’s wish to reduce the number of visitors, and the establishment of working groups dedicated to managing [visitor] flow, particularly in the Room of the States [la Salle des Etats], the obvious lack of [foresight] has only made the situation worse.”

The Louvre confirmed the strike in the following statement: “Due to a recent increase in visitor numbers, members of the Musée du Louvre’s reception and security staff are exercising their right to strike. Visitor numbers are expected to remain high in the coming days. Only visitors with tickets purchased via the Louvre’s official website are guaranteed admission.”

The museum offered refunds to those who had bought tickets for Monday. Staffers plan to meet on Wednesday, May 29 to discuss their next steps.