Recent events at the Louvre have raised eyebrows, as a water leak in the Egyptian antiquities department has damaged hundreds of books, highlighting the museum’s ongoing issues with infrastructure. This incident follows a significant jewel heist that has triggered questions about the museum’s security measures.
Damage Reported
According to La Tribune de l’Art, approximately four hundred rare books were affected by the leak, which stemmed from deteriorating pipes. The deputy administrator of the museum, Francis Steinbock, mentioned that while the books lost were primarily those consulted by Egyptologists, fortunately, no rare or precious texts were affected.
Ongoing Issues
- The water pipe leak occurred in one of the three rooms of the Egyptian antiquities library.
- Repairs are scheduled for September 2026, despite the problem being known for years.
- In November, structural weaknesses forced the partial closure of a gallery featuring Greek vases.
Security Shortcomings
The leak comes just weeks after a dramatic jewel heist on 19 October 2023 when four burglars stole jewels worth US$102 million (S$132 million) in broad daylight. This incident has further exposed glaring security gaps within the museum.
A recent report by France’s public audit body, the Cour des Comptes, pointed to an inability to modernise the museum’s infrastructure, attributing it to excessive spending on artwork instead of necessary repairs.