UPDATE: The Louvre Museum in Paris has confirmed a significant water leak that has damaged up to 400 historic documents, just weeks after a notorious heist that cost the museum $100 million in jewelry. The leak, discovered in late November, was announced by Francis Steinbock, the museum’s deputy administrator, during a recent press briefing.
The water damage primarily affected library materials in the Egyptian antiquities department, specifically archaeology journals from the 18th and 19th centuries. Fortunately, no artworks were harmed in the incident. “No ancient works were affected,” stated Hélène Guichard, the director of the Egyptian antiquities department, emphasizing the Louvre’s swift response to mitigate the damage.
In a statement, Steinbock revealed that dehumidifiers have been deployed within the affected library room, and staff are painstakingly drying the damaged documents one page at a time. The urgency of the situation is compounded by the museum’s recent challenges, including a high-profile theft and ongoing infrastructural issues.
The French Democratic Confederation of Labor, representing some of the museum’s employees, expressed serious concerns about the deteriorating conditions at the Louvre. In a LinkedIn post, the union highlighted, “This new incident confirms a situation that has been deteriorating for too long.” They pointed out issues such as “fragile infrastructure” and “poor working conditions” that jeopardize both the collection’s safety and the well-being of staff and visitors.
Union leaders are set to meet Monday morning to discuss potential next steps in addressing these pressing concerns. The Louvre’s struggles come on the heels of a critical report by France’s Cour des Comptes, which criticized the museum for prioritizing excessive spending on art over necessary maintenance and renovations.
The Louvre, housed in a former fortress dating back to the 12th century, has faced ongoing issues with its infrastructure. Earlier this year, a planned exhibition was canceled due to burst pipes, and in November, weak structural beams led to the closure of a gallery. A major renovation project announced in January aims to alleviate overcrowding, include infrastructure repairs, and improve the outdated security system, which was recently implicated in the jewel heist.
As the Louvre prepares for a significant overhaul, including the replacement of its water-based ventilation and heating system scheduled for September 2026, the latest water leak incident raises urgent questions about the museum’s ability to safeguard its invaluable collections. The situation highlights the urgent need for strategic improvements to protect both the art and the cultural heritage housed within its historic walls.
As developments unfold, the museum community and the public remain watchful of the Louvre’s next steps in addressing these critical infrastructural challenges.
