UPDATE: The Louvre Museum in Paris is reeling from a significant water leak that has damaged up to 400 documents in its Egyptian department library. This urgent situation comes just weeks after a high-profile heist that cost the museum $100 million in stolen jewelry. The leak was discovered in late November and publicly announced on December 8, 2023 by Francis Steinbock, the museum’s deputy administrator.
The leak, originating from one of the three library rooms dedicated to Egyptian antiquities, has resulted in extensive damage to archaeology journals, primarily from the 18th and 19th centuries. Fortunately, no priceless artworks were harmed. Hélène Guichard, director of the Egyptian antiquities department, emphasized, “No ancient works were affected,” and praised the Louvre’s prompt action, which included deploying dehumidifiers and carefully drying the damaged items page by page.
In a related statement, the French Democratic Confederation of Labor, representing museum workers, raised alarms on LinkedIn, stating, “This new incident confirms a situation that has been deteriorating for too long.” The union highlighted ongoing concerns regarding the museum’s fragile infrastructure, inadequate strategic oversight, and poor working conditions, which jeopardize the safety of both collections and personnel.
Union leaders plan to convene on Monday morning to discuss potential actions in response to the incident. The museum’s existing challenges were underscored in an October 2023 report by France’s Cour des Comptes, which criticized the Louvre for prioritizing excessive spending on art over necessary maintenance and renovations.
The Louvre, housed in a historic palace dating back to the 12th century, has faced ongoing infrastructure issues. Notably, a major exhibition was canceled earlier this year due to burst pipes, and recent structural weaknesses in gallery beams prompted closures. A significant renovation plan, announced in January 2023 by President Emmanuel Macron and Louvre director Laurence des Cars, aims to address overcrowding with a new entrance and an exhibition space dedicated to the Mona Lisa. This initiative also includes vital infrastructure repairs and upgrades to an outdated security system, which recently failed during the jewel heist.
Steinbock revealed in a TV interview that the Louvre’s ventilation and heating network, reliant on water pipes, is slated for replacement in September 2026. The museum’s leadership and workers are under increasing pressure to ensure that critical updates are not just planned but implemented—urgently needed to protect both the treasures housed within and the safety of visitors alike.
As this situation unfolds, the Louvre’s ability to safeguard its collections and respond to infrastructure challenges will be closely monitored by art lovers and cultural custodians worldwide. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
