Paris Grand Palais hosting Art Basel art fair is pictured Friday, October 23, 2026 after planned anti-government protests prompted organizers to cancel their weekend programme. (AP Photo)

The Louvre, Musée d’Orsay and Musée National Picasso-Paris will close on Saturday, October 24, as authorities prepare for planned demonstrations amid concerns about possible violence in the French capital.

France’s Culture Ministry confirmed the closures and urged cultural institutions under its authority to take necessary precautions to protect visitors, staff and artworks, according to the Associated Press.

The decision follows unrest during demonstrations last weekend, when fires were set, shop windows were smashed, businesses were looted, and protesters clashed with police. The protests have taken place amid tensions over the rising cost of living in France.

Art Basel Paris has also cancelled its Saturday and Sunday programme over security concerns.…