Louvre Hit by Another Crisis as Water Leak Damages Hundreds of Books

A water leak in the Louvre Museum’s Egyptian antiquities library damaged hundreds of research books last month, adding to a growing list of infrastructure and security issues at the world’s most visited museum.

According to La Tribune de l’Art, which first reported the incident, roughly 400 volumes were affected after aging pipes failed in one of the library’s reading rooms. The specialist publication attributed the leak to deteriorating plumbing conditions and noted that staff had repeatedly asked for funding to prevent such an incident.

Louvre deputy administrator Francis Steinbock confirmed the damage in an interview with France’s BFM TV, saying the leak impacted one of three rooms dedicated to Egyptology research.

“We have identified between 300 and 400 works, the count is ongoing,” Steinbock said. He emphasized that the damaged materials were “books consulted by Egyptologists,” adding that none were considered rare or irreplaceable. However, the full extent of the damage has not yet been finalized.

Steinbock acknowledged that the museum was aware of the aging infrastructure. Repair work on the affected systems is not scheduled to begin until September 2026.

A Series of Recent Problems

The water leak is the latest in a series of incidents raising concerns about the Louvre’s building maintenance and security protocols. On October 19, four armed thieves stole approximately $102 million worth of jewelry during a daytime robbery at an exhibition inside the museum. The high-profile theft prompted questions about whether security resources were being stretched too thin.

In November, separate structural weaknesses forced the partial closure of galleries displaying ancient Greek ceramics, as well as nearby administrative offices. These closures followed internal assessments that flagged safety concerns in older sections of the building.

Taken together, the incidents mark the third significant disruption at the museum within two months and highlight ongoing challenges in preserving a historic structure that must also accommodate millions of annual visitors.

Concerns About Funding and Priorities

France’s public audit authority raised similar concerns in a report published in October, criticizing the museum for struggling to modernize its aging infrastructure. The report said these shortcomings were “exacerbated by excessive spending on artwork,” suggesting that acquisition budgets have outpaced investments in essential building maintenance.

The Louvre operates within a centuries-old palace complex, much of which requires continual repairs. Experts say balancing the conservation of the historic building with the demands of a global museum remains a complicated and costly task.

Looking Ahead

Although none of the damaged books in the Egyptian antiquities department are considered rare editions, the loss is still significant for researchers who rely on the collection. Museum officials estimate that repairs planned for 2026 will help prevent similar incidents in the future, but staff members remain concerned that further leaks or structural failures could occur in the meantime.

The Louvre has not announced additional interim measures to protect remaining materials in the library ahead of the scheduled renovations.

If this story was informative, consider sharing it on your social platforms to help others stay updated on major news stories.