Paris museums close ahead of planned protests

The Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Picasso Museum and Grand Palais closed to the public on Saturday, October 24, as Paris prepared for planned protests and officials cited concerns about safety. The French Culture Ministry said institutions under its authority should take steps to protect visitors and staff and preserve artworks. The Louvre also said the Musée Eugène-Delacroix would close for the day. The closures followed demonstrations the previous weekend that included looting, fires and clashes with police. Art Basel Paris cancelled its weekend programme, leaving Friday, October 23, as its only day open to the public. The fair had admitted invited guests for two days before opening to the public on Friday. Organisers announced the cancellation on Thursday, citing safety concerns. The Grand Palais, where the fair was held, was among the institutions closed Saturday. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said as many as 70,000 police officers and gendarmes would be deployed nationwide for Saturday’s demonstrations. The figure described the planned deployment, not a confirmed count of officers ultimately on duty. Authorities also planned to use helicopters, armoured vehicles and water...