A recent water leak at the Louvre Museum in Paris has caused significant damage to hundreds of books, adding to the museum's recent troubles. This incident comes just weeks after thieves stole priceless French crown jewels from the museum in broad daylight, highlighting the museum's ongoing security challenges.
The leak affected between 300-400 works, primarily books, in the Egyptian department, according to Francis Steinbock, the museum's deputy administrator. He assured that no precious books were impacted, but the volumes are essential for Egyptologists' research. The issue had been known for years, and repairs are scheduled for next year.
The affected books, described as 'Egyptology journals' and 'scientific documentation' from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, will undergo restoration. Steinbock emphasized that no heritage artifacts were damaged, and the museum is taking steps to prevent further losses.
This water leak is the third major issue faced by the Louvre in recent months. In November, a structural weakness led to the partial closure of a gallery, and on October 19, four burglars stole jewels worth €88 million, exposing significant security vulnerabilities. The stolen jewels have not been recovered, and the museum has moved some of its most valuable jewels to the Bank of France for safekeeping.
A report by France's public audit body, the Cour des Comptes, criticized the museum's excessive spending on artwork, suggesting it has compromised the maintenance and renovation of buildings. This report adds to the museum's challenges, which include addressing the recent theft and water damage, as well as ensuring the preservation of its vast collection.
