Water leak damages hundreds of books at Louvre

A water leak at the Louvre Museum in Paris damaged between 300 and 400 works in the Egyptian antiquities department in late November, primarily affecting Egyptology journals and scientific documentation used by researchers after a valve was accidentally opened in an obsolete heating system.abc

The incident underscores infrastructure problems at the world’s most-visited museum just weeks after four thieves stole jewels worth $102 million in October, a heist that exposed glaring security flaws including inadequate camera coverage.theprint

Museum officials acknowledged the piping problem had been known for years, with repairs now scheduled for September 2026, while the Louvre announced a 45% ticket price increase for non-EU visitors to raise funds for structural improvements.abc

Water Leak at Louvre Damages Hundreds of Historical Books

A water leak at the Louvre Museum in Paris damaged between 300 and 400 historical works in the Egyptian antiquities department last month, underscoring the deteriorating infrastructure at the world’s most-visited museum just weeks after a $102 million jewel heist exposed critical security flaws.abc

The leak, discovered on November 26, was caused by the accidental opening of a valve in a heating and ventilation system that museum officials described as “completely obsolete”. Water seeped through the ceiling of the Mollien wing, affecting primarily Egyptology journals and scientific documentation used by researchers. Deputy administrator Francis Steinbock confirmed to French broadcaster BFM TV that no rare books or ancient artworks were damaged.philstar

Infrastructure Crisis Compounds Security Concerns

The incident comes just over a month after four thieves brazenly stole French crown jewels worth approximately $102 million on October 19, escaping the museum in just seven minutes. That heist prompted Louvre director Laurence des Cars to acknowledge a “significant failure” and reveal that security camera coverage of the museum’s exterior was “highly inadequate”.theguardian

Steinbock acknowledged the piping problem had been known for years, with repairs now scheduled for September 2026. According to specialist website La Tribune de l’Art, the Egyptian antiquities department had repeatedly sought funding to protect the collection from such risks without success.abc

In November, structural weaknesses also forced the partial closure of a gallery housing Greek vases and offices. A critical report released by France’s Cour des Comptes in early November deemed the museum’s €1.1 billion “New Renaissance” renovation plan excessively expensive, recommending the institution prioritize urgent infrastructure restoration over costly new projects like a dedicated entrance and room for the Mona Lisa.theprint

The museum has since approved a 45% ticket price increase for non-EU visitors, raising admission from 22 to 32 euros starting January 14, 2026, expected to generate up to €20 million annually for structural improvements.cnn