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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 Workers Announce Strike Following Water Leak Damaging Archives

Louvre Workers Announce Strike Following Water Leak Damaging Archives

Louvre employees have announced a strike in response to a water leak that damaged archival documents related to Egyptian history. The incident occurred when a pipe in the museum's heating and ventilation system malfunctioned, affecting hundreds of journals and documents. Although no ancient artifacts were damaged, the leak has highlighted ongoing maintenance issues at the museum. The Louvre's Deputy General Administrator, Francis Steinbock, confirmed that the damaged materials are not heritage artifacts and are being dried and conserved. The museum has been aware of the faulty pipes, and a renovation plan is in place, but repairs are not scheduled until September 2026. The incident follows a series of challenges for the Louvre, including a recent jewel theft and structural concerns in some galleries.

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 Workers Announce Strike Over Security Concerns Following $102M Heist

Louvre Workers Announce Strike Over Security Concerns Following $102M Heist

Workers at the Louvre Museum in Paris have voted to go on strike, citing deteriorating work conditions, increased ticket prices for non-European visitors, and significant security concerns. This decision follows a high-profile theft in October, where thieves stole France's Crown Jewels valued at $102 million. The unions representing the workers, including CGT, CFDT, and Sud, have expressed that the museum is in a state of crisis, with inadequate resources and worsening conditions. The theft, which took place in broad daylight, highlighted severe security lapses, as the robbers managed to escape with the jewels in under eight minutes. The museum's director admitted to a 'terrible failure' in security. Additionally, the museum has faced other issues, such as a water leak damaging historical documents and structural concerns leading to temporary closures of some areas.

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 Workers Announce Strike Over Work Conditions and Security Concerns

Louvre Workers Announce Strike Over Work Conditions and Security Concerns

Workers at the Louvre Museum in Paris have voted to strike starting December 15, 2025, in response to poor work conditions, a ticket-price increase for non-European visitors, and security weaknesses highlighted by a recent $102 million heist. The strike, supported by the CGT, CFDT, and Sud unions, aims to address the deteriorating conditions at the museum, which is facing a crisis due to insufficient resources and outdated facilities. The unions have criticized the museum's management for failing to prioritize security and maintenance, as evidenced by the recent theft of France's Crown Jewels and a water leak that damaged several hundred publications in the museum's library.

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 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 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.

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.

In the shadow of the Louvre heist, Paris opens another royal jewel display nearby

In the shadow of the Louvre heist, Paris opens another royal jewel display nearby

A glittering exhibition of royal jewels opens in Paris this week, but the sparkle competes with unease