In brief
A water leak discovered at the Louvre Museum in Paris has resulted in damage to hundreds of volumes, primarily linked to Egyptology. The museum's deputy administrator confirmed that although the affected books are primarily scientific documentation and journals, no irreplaceable artifacts were lost. This follows recent high-profile incidents at the museum, including a major jewelry heist that raised concerns about security and maintenance.
A water leak at the Louvre museum in Paris has damaged hundreds of works, just weeks after thieves stole priceless French crown jewels from the museum in broad daylight.
The museum's deputy administrator, Francis Steinbock, mentioned that between 300-400 works, predominantly books, have been affected by the leak, with damage notably occurring in the Egyptian department. Mr. Steinbock clarified that the volumes involved are primarily those consulted by Egyptologists and that no precious books were impacted.
The source of the leak, which was identified in late November, has reportedly been known for years, with repairs planned for the following year.
Mr. Steinbock further detailed that the damaged volumes will undergo a restoration process involving drying and bookbinding before being returned to their shelves. He characterized the affected materials as Egyptology journals and scientific documentation from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, providing reassurance that there have been no irreversible losses.
This incident marks the third significant issue the Louvre has faced in the past few months. Previous challenges included the partial closure of a gallery due to structural weaknesses in November and a high-profile heist on October 19, where four burglars stole jewels worth €88 million. The stolen jewels have yet to be recovered, prompting the museum to relocate its most precious items to the Bank of France.
In addition to security concerns, a report from France's public audit body highlighted the museum's considerable spending on acquiring artworks while neglecting essential maintenance and renovation.
