UPDATE: An urgent water leak at the Musée du Louvre has damaged between 300 and 400 books in the Egyptian Antiquities library, escalating concerns over the museum’s deteriorating infrastructure. The incident, which occurred on November 26, was disclosed this past weekend, prompting immediate backlash from staff unions demanding action.
In a joint notice released today, three cultural unions announced a rolling strike set to begin on December 15, 2023, if their demands are not met. This comes as the Louvre grapples with a series of structural issues, including a recent temporary closure of the Greek Ceramics gallery due to ceiling concerns. Union representatives criticized the museum’s management for neglecting urgent renovations.
Francis Steinbock, the Louvre’s deputy director general, confirmed that while many books were damaged, “no patrimony works” were affected. However, this incident raises alarms about safety and preservation at one of the world’s most visited museums, especially following the high-profile theft of the nation’s crown jewels in October.
The Louvre’s director, Laurence des Cars, has previously warned in a leaked memo to the Ministry of Culture about the museum’s dire state, leading to the development of a renovation plan called “Nouvelle Renaissance.” This ambitious project aims to address both structural problems and visitor experience issues over the next decade.
In a controversial move, the museum plans to increase entry fees by 45% for visitors from outside the European Economic Area starting in January 2026. Unions have condemned this hike as “particularly criminal,” arguing it violates equality principles for public service users. They assert that visitors from the Middle East will face higher fees to access cultural works from their own heritage.
The three unions—Syndicat National des Musées et Domaines, Confédération Générale du Travail, and Solidaires Unitaires Démocratiques—are demanding that funds from Abu Dhabi’s licensing of the Louvre brand be redirected towards renovations rather than a new visitor entry area. They also highlighted ongoing issues of understaffing and overwork among museum employees, which led to a strike in June.
In light of these developments, the unions are calling for immediate action to improve working conditions, including more positions in security and reception, and greater incorporation of staff feedback in decision-making.
As the situation unfolds, all eyes will be on the Louvre as it struggles to balance cultural preservation with the needs of its workforce. This is a developing story, and more updates will follow as the unions prepare for action next week.
