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Water leak at Paris Louvre Museum damages books at Egyptian antiquities department

Water leak at Paris Louvre Museum damages books at Egyptian antiquities department

PARIS, Dec 7 (Reuters) - A water leak last month damaged hundreds of books in the Egyptian antiquities department at the Louvre, underscoring the deteriorating state of the world's most visited museum just weeks after a daring jewel heist exposed security flaws.

Louvre Museum Faces Damage to Rare Books Following Water Leak

Louvre Museum Faces Damage to Rare Books Following Water Leak

The Louvre Museum in Paris has experienced a significant setback following a water leak that damaged hundreds of rare books in its Egyptian antiquities library. The incident occurred on November 27, when a water pipe leak went unnoticed until it had soaked into the floor below, affecting between 300 and 400 documents. These documents, primarily archaeological journals and research volumes from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, are regularly used by Egyptologists. Although no ancient works of art were impacted, the damage to these texts is considered severe, with some books and bindings deemed irretrievable. The museum staff acted swiftly to mitigate further damage by drying the pages individually and setting up air dehumidifiers. The Louvre's administration has acknowledged previous requests for resources to protect its book collection, which were not met, and renovations are now scheduled for next September.

Louvre Museum Faces Damage to Hundreds of Works Due to Flooding

Louvre Museum Faces Damage to Hundreds of Works Due to Flooding

The Louvre Museum in Paris has experienced significant damage to its collection due to a burst pipe that caused flooding in the Egyptian antiquities department. According to Francis Steinbock, the museum's deputy general administrator, the incident affected 300 to 400 works, including books and periodicals used by Egyptologists and researchers. The flooding occurred in one of the library rooms, and efforts are underway to dry and preserve the affected items. This incident follows a recent jewelry heist at the museum, highlighting ongoing challenges in maintaining the infrastructure of the world's most visited museum.

Louvre Museum Faces Infrastructure Challenges After Water Leak Damages Historic Books

Louvre Museum Faces Infrastructure Challenges After Water Leak Damages Historic Books

A water leak at the Louvre Museum in Paris has resulted in damage to approximately 300 to 400 historic books in the Egyptian antiquities department. The incident occurred when a valve in the museum's old heating system was mistakenly opened, causing water to soak carpets and eventually drip onto the books below. Deputy Administrator Francis Steinbock confirmed that while the books, dating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, were affected, no unique heritage artifacts were damaged. The museum plans to dry and restore the books. This event has brought attention to the Louvre's ongoing infrastructure and maintenance issues, as the museum has faced recent challenges, including a significant jewelry heist and structural concerns in other galleries.

Louvre Faces Infrastructure Challenges as Water Leak Damages Antique Books

Louvre Faces Infrastructure Challenges as Water Leak Damages Antique Books

The Louvre Museum in Paris has experienced a significant setback due to a water leak that damaged between 300 and 400 antique books in its Egyptian Antiquities department. This incident follows a recent heist of French royal jewels, highlighting vulnerabilities in the museum's infrastructure. Francis Steinbock, the deputy administrator of the Louvre, reported that the leak occurred in late November, affecting texts dating back to the 19th and early 20th centuries. These works are crucial for Egyptologists, museum staff, and students. Efforts are underway to dehumidify the damaged books using blotting paper, and dehumidifiers have been installed in the affected area. The museum is set to undergo a major renovation starting in September 2026, aimed at addressing these infrastructure issues.

Louvre Museum Faces Water Leak Damaging Hundreds of Works Amid Security Concerns

Louvre Museum Faces Water Leak Damaging Hundreds of Works Amid Security Concerns

The Louvre Museum in Paris has experienced a significant water leak that damaged between 300 and 400 works, primarily books, in its Egyptian department. This incident follows a recent high-profile jewelry heist at the museum, where thieves stole French crown jewels valued at approximately $102 million. The museum's deputy administrator, Francis Steinbock, confirmed that the affected volumes are mainly Egyptology journals and scientific documentation from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Fortunately, no heritage artifacts were damaged, and the books will undergo restoration. The leak is the third major issue for the museum in recent months, highlighting ongoing structural and security challenges.

Louvre Museum Experiences Water Leak, Damaging Collection Items

Louvre Museum Experiences Water Leak, Damaging Collection Items

The Louvre Museum, a renowned cultural institution, recently suffered a water leak that resulted in damage to some items within its collection. This incident follows a high-profile robbery that the museum experienced earlier. The leak has raised concerns about the preservation and security of the museum's valuable artifacts. The extent of the damage caused by the water leak has not been fully detailed, but it underscores the challenges faced by museums in maintaining the integrity of their collections amidst unforeseen incidents.

Louvre's Rare Books Damaged by Water Leak Amidst Infrastructure Concerns

Louvre's Rare Books Damaged by Water Leak Amidst Infrastructure Concerns

A water leak at the Louvre Museum has damaged hundreds of rare books in the Egyptian antiquities library, just weeks after a high-profile jewel heist. The leak, which occurred on November 27, affected between 300 and 400 documents, primarily archaeological journals and research volumes. The museum's deputy administrator, Francis Steinbock, reported that the leak was due to poor pipe conditions, and efforts are underway to dry the affected materials. The incident highlights ongoing infrastructure challenges at the museum, which has faced criticism for prioritizing art acquisitions over maintenance.

Louvre Museum Faces Criticism After Water Leak Damages Historic Books

Louvre Museum Faces Criticism After Water Leak Damages Historic Books

The Louvre Museum in Paris has confirmed that a water leak in November damaged a significant collection of historically important books located in the Mollien Wing, home to the Department of Egyptian Antiquities. Deputy Administrator Francis Steinbock reported that 300 to 400 works from the late 19th and early 20th centuries were affected. While Steinbock downplayed the incident, stating that no unique heritage artifacts were lost, a report from La Tribune de l'Art contradicted this, claiming some book bindings were irreparably damaged. The leak, attributed to an old heating system valve error, is the latest in a series of mishaps at the museum, including a recent theft of crown jewels and structural concerns in another gallery.

Louvre Water Leak Damages Hundreds of Books, Raises Security Concerns

Louvre Water Leak Damages Hundreds of Books, Raises Security Concerns

A water leak at the Louvre in Paris has damaged 300-400 books, primarily related to Egyptology and scientific documentation. The leak occurred when a valve from a defunct plumbing system was mistakenly opened. Although the books are not unique copies, the incident has raised concerns about the museum's infrastructure, especially following a recent jewel heist. The Louvre plans to repair the damaged books and return them to the shelves. The museum is also set to increase ticket prices to fund a modernization program aimed at addressing structural issues.

Water Leak at the Louvre Causes Damage to Art Collection

Water Leak at the Louvre Causes Damage to Art Collection

The Louvre Museum in Paris has experienced a water leak that resulted in damage to some items in its collection. This incident follows a recent high-profile robbery at the museum, adding to the challenges faced by the institution. The extent of the damage and the specific items affected have not been fully disclosed.

Louvre Increases Ticket Prices for Non-European Visitors to Fund Renovations

Louvre Increases Ticket Prices for Non-European Visitors to Fund Renovations

Starting January 14, 2026, the Louvre Museum in Paris will increase ticket prices for visitors from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) to 32 euros, a 45% hike from the current 22 euros. This decision, supported by the French government, aims to address the museum's significant financial needs, including a billion-euro renovation plan and security concerns following a theft incident in 2025. The price increase will primarily affect non-European visitors, including Americans, who constitute a large portion of the museum's international audience. The Louvre's board finalized this decision to generate an additional 15 to 20 million euros annually, which is still a small fraction of the total renovation costs.