Paris museums and palaces suspended amid protests

Paris museums have closed indefinitely due to mass protests that resumed across France on October 24. This is reported by Reuters.

The Louvre, along with the museums of Orsay, Orangerie and Picasso, decided to close as a precaution. The Paris Opera also closed its buildings, the Palais Garnier and the Bastille Opera. All planned events were canceled and the fair of contemporary art Art Basel.

The French government has stepped up security measures amid ongoing protests. Local curfews were imposed, many cultural institutions were closed and public spaces such as the Tuileries Garden were closed.

Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said earlier that 70,000 police officers, backed by special forces, would monitor the protests this weekend - 10,000 more than a week ago. The business community urged the shops to remain closed that day.