The Louvre museum, arguably the most popular art museum in the world, is closed,

and there's no definite date on when it will re-open.

The Louvre museum was shut on Wednesday after 200 guards and surveillance agents

went on strike to protest the growing number of often-violent pickpockets who prey on both

them and the tourists." (Via New York Times) Museum officials didn't release any

pocketing statistics but did say in a statement it was a growing problem. So much so there's

a sign at the door warning visitors about the thieves.

The Guardian reports the Louvre filed an official complaint to the state prosecutor

late last year, which lead to increased co-operation with the police and temporary bans on people

already identified as pickpockets.  Despite these provisions, the problems

have continued in 2013 and have apparently gotten worse. Packs of as many as 30 pickpockets

have preyed on the area at once, and have sometimes become violent.

Slate quotes the organizer of the strike who said workers have been subject to, "...spitting,

insults, threats and being struck..." by the pickpockets.

Whether the strike has a just cause or not, angry visitors are to be expected and

there were plenty at the Louvre's front door.

"Children have been brought up in New Zealand and it is their first trip to Paris. And the one thing they wanted to do was see

the Mona Lisa so we're disappointed.” (Via France24)

The Louvre museum received a staggering 10 million visitors last year and during this

time of year, historically averages about 30,000 visitors per day.