Water Leak at Louvre Damages 400 Egyptian Antiquity Books

A significant water leak at the Louvre Museum in Paris has resulted in damage to approximately 400 rare books within the Egyptian antiquities department. This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding the museum’s infrastructure, particularly following a recent high-profile jewel heist that raised questions about security measures.

According to the specialist website La Tribune de l’Art, the water leak, which occurred last month, was attributed to deteriorating pipe conditions that have long been a concern for the museum’s management. The Egyptian antiquities department had previously sought funding to address such risks, but their requests have not been fulfilled.

Francis Steinbock, the deputy administrator of the Louvre, confirmed the situation during an interview with BFM TV on December 8, 2023. He stated that the leak affected one of the three rooms in the library dedicated to Egyptian antiquities. “We have identified between 300 and 400 works; the count is ongoing,” he noted. Despite the extent of the damage, Steinbock clarified that the lost books were not considered precious, as they were primarily used for consultation by Egyptologists.

The museum has been aware of the plumbing issues for several years, and repairs are not expected to commence until September 2026. This delay raises further concerns about the preservation of the collection, particularly in the wake of the museum’s recent security challenges.

On October 19, 2023, the Louvre experienced a daring jewel heist, where four burglars stole jewels valued at approximately USD 102 million in broad daylight. This event exposed significant security vulnerabilities, prompting a reevaluation of the museum’s protective measures.

In November, structural weaknesses within the museum led to the partial closure of a gallery housing Greek vases and administrative offices. A report from France’s public audit body, the Cour des Comptes, published in October, indicated that the Louvre’s failure to modernize its infrastructure has been compounded by excessive spending on art acquisitions.

As the world’s most visited museum, the Louvre faces critical challenges in maintaining its facilities and safeguarding its invaluable collections. The recent incidents serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for upgrades and repairs to ensure the protection of its treasures for future generations.