Despite increased co-operation with the police and temporary bans on offenders, pickpocketing remains a growing problem for the museum, staff said.

CNN: Thieves force Louvre to shut its doors

But the real problem is one of attitude, not space: a history museum which is too keen to make a point risks achieving the opposite.

ECONOMIST: New history museums

The museum's management said it had already asked for more assistance from police to deal with the problem.

BBC: Paris Louvre shuts as staff strike over pickpockets