In brief
The Louvre Museum has reported that a water leak has damaged approximately 300-400 works, primarily books housed in its Egyptian department. While these books are considered useful for Egyptologists, no priceless assets were harmed. This incident follows a recent jewelry heist and highlights ongoing issues with the museum's maintenance and security.
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, stated that between 300-400 works, mostly books, were affected by the leak - and that the count was ongoing.
Mr. Steinbock emphasized that damage occurred in the Egyptian department, affecting volumes that are consulted by Egyptologists, but reassured that no precious books were harmed.
The leak issue, which was identified in late November, has been known for several years, with repairs anticipated for next year, according to Mr. Steinbock.
The volumes will undergo drying, bookbinding, and restoration before being returned to the shelves. Mr. Steinbock noted that the affected works include Egyptology journals and scientific documentation from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
No heritage artefacts have been affected by this damage, Mr. Steinbock told the Agence France-Presse news agency. He added that there have been no irreparable losses within these collections.
This leak marks the third significant issue faced by the renowned museum in recent months. In November, structural weaknesses led to the partial closure of a gallery hosting Greek vases and offices, while in October, four burglars stole jewels worth €88 million, exposing serious security deficiencies. The stolen jewels have yet to be recovered, prompting the museum to move some of its most precious items to the Bank of France.
A report released in October by France's public audit body, the Cour des Comptes, criticized the museum for excessive spending on artwork at the expense of its building maintenance and renovations.
