Water leak at the Louvre damages Egyptian antiquities documents
The Louvre Museum in Paris, one of the world's most famous cultural landmarks, has faced another unfortunate incident that has alarmed cultural and archaeological circles. A water leak caused damage to hundreds of works and documents housed in the library of the Egyptian Antiquities Department. This incident adds to the pressure on the museum's administration, which has recently been grappling with a series of security and logistical challenges.
Details of the incident and extent of the damage
The museum administration revealed that the water leak that occurred on November 26th affected approximately 300 to 400 works and documents. According to Francis Steenbock, Assistant Commissioner General, the damage was primarily concentrated on Egyptology journals and scientific research documents dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Despite the concern raised by the news, Steinbock reassured the cultural community, emphasizing that “no heritage works or rare artifacts were damaged.” He pointed out that the damaged documents, while of great importance to researchers and frequently consulted, are not unique and do not constitute irreplaceable losses. He explained that the current plan involves drying these documents and sending them to binding specialists for restoration before returning them to the library shelves.
The historical importance of the Egyptian Antiquities Department
This incident is particularly sensitive given the international stature of the Egyptian Antiquities Department at the Louvre Museum. This department stands as a testament to the deep historical and cultural ties between France and Egypt, and its library is a fundamental resource for Egyptologists worldwide. Any damage to the department's holdings, even documentary material, underscores the urgent need to preserve this shared human heritage.
The library contains records documenting the discoveries and excavations that formed the cornerstone of modern Egyptology, making their preservation a top priority to ensure the continuation of scientific research and understanding of ancient Egyptian civilization.
Causes of leakage and infrastructure challenges
Initial investigations revealed that the immediate cause of the incident was human error: the accidental opening of a valve, which led to water flowing from the heating and ventilation system in the Mullen Wing. The incident also exposed a deeper problem of dilapidated infrastructure, with Steinbock describing the water system as "completely crumbling.".
As part of a radical overhaul, the museum administration is scheduled to begin a comprehensive replacement of this network by September 2026, as part of a broad restoration plan that may extend for several months, in an attempt to address the aging of the historic building and ensure the safety of its holdings.
A series of crises and deteriorating conditions
This incident is not isolated, but rather part of what labor unions have described as a "deteriorating situation." This leak followed a major theft last October, in which jewelry worth approximately €88 million disappeared. Despite the arrest of some suspects, the stolen items have not yet been recovered.
The CFDT-Kultur union expressed its dismay, stating that the recurring incidents reflect a persistent problem requiring serious attention. In an effort to fund necessary maintenance and restoration work, the Louvre plans to increase admission prices for non-European visitors by 45% starting in 2026, a move aimed at preserving the monument, which welcomed approximately 8.7 million visitors in 2024.
