Louvre Museum Staff Vote Unanimously to Strike
Staff at the Louvre Museum in Paris have voted unanimously to strike in protest of working conditions and the museum's €600 million redevelopment plans. The decision, made on January 5 by an inter-union group including the CFDT and CGT trade unions, follows a previous strike that was suspended over the festive period. While the museum will remain partially open, concerns include understaffing, a planned 45% price increase for non-European tourists, and deteriorating infrastructure.
Flemish Government Moves to Dissolve Antwerp's M HKA
The Flemish government has initiated plans to dissolve Antwerp's M HKA, a contemporary art museum, transferring its collection to the S.M.A.K. in Ghent and repurposing its building into an arts center. M HKA's management has launched a legal review claiming the government's actions are illegal, with prominent artists supporting the museum's cause. Culture Minister Caroline Gennez acknowledged concerns but affirmed the transition process would begin soon, despite widespread condemnation from the international art community.
Christie's to Auction Rare Watteau and Fragonard Works
Christie's will auction a previously unseen drawing by Jean-Antoine Watteau and a masterpiece by Fragonard on March 15, 2026, as part of the historic collection of Arthur Veil-Picard. The auction will also feature 350 lots from New York's Plaza Hotel, with estimates ranging from $50 to $18,000, including items such as monogrammed flatware, chandeliers, and memorabilia from the hotel's famous suites.
