PARIS — The Louvre Museum in Paris is evacuating visitors and staff on Saturday after receiving a written threat. It is expected to remain closed for the rest of the day.
The decision to evacuate and close the museum is linked to the decision by the French government to put the country on high alert after a deadly stabbing incident Friday in northern France, according to The Associated Press.
“We have decided in the current national context of an ‘emergency attack’ alert to evacuate and close it for the day, while we carry out the necessary checks,” a museum spokeswoman said, according to France 24.
“For safety reasons, the Louvre Museum will be closed today, Saturday, October 14. Refunds will be refunded if you book for a day tour,” the museum said in a statement on Facebook.
The communication service at the museum said no one had been hurt and no incidents had been reported.
The high alert in France was raised by the French government and is deploying 7,000 troops to increase security following the school attack, the AP reported. The French government is reportedly concerned about the fallout in the country after the war between Hamas and Israel over the last week.
The Louvre Museum houses famous masterpieces, including the Mona Lisa. According to the AP, the museum welcomes between 30,000 and 40,000 people daily.
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