Museums Water damage in the Louvre Museum damages hundreds of prints
Hundreds of printed works have been damaged by water damage at the Louvre in Paris. Between 300 and 400 works from the library on Egyptian antiquity were affected, deputy head of administration Francis Steinbock told the AFP news agency.
08.12.2025, 06:24
SDA
These were Egyptology journals from the 19th and early 20th centuries as well as scientific documentation used by researchers. The documents in question are "extremely useful and in great demand", said Steinbock. However, they were not destroyed: "They will dry, we will send them to the bookbinder and put them back on the shelf."
According to the museum, the water damage was discovered at the end of November. It was caused by the accidental opening of a valve in the hydraulic heating and ventilation system of the Egyptology Library.
In mid-October, the Louvre was the scene of a spectacular theft. Several thieves entered the museum in broad daylight via a freight elevator through a window and stole several pieces of the French crown jewels. Since the theft, the museum management has been under pressure to close the security gaps that have been known for years. Museum director Laurence des Cars has now announced the establishment of a mobile police station at the Louvre. In addition, 100 new surveillance cameras are to be installed in the museum by the end of the year.
Criticism due to structural defects and overcrowding
The Louvre had previously been criticized for structural defects and overcrowding. There have also been several cases of water damage in recent years, some exhibition rooms had to be closed and special exhibitions relocated.
At the beginning of the year, French President Emmanuel announced a renovation program in which the world-famous museum is to be given a new monumental entrance and a separate exhibition space for the "Mona Lisa".
