Severe flooding at the Louvre Museum in Paris has resulted in damage to hundreds of invaluable artworks, particularly within the Egyptian antiquities library. According to Francis Steinbock, the museum’s deputy general administrator, between 300 and 400 works have been affected due to a pipe burst caused by the flooding that occurred last week.
The incident specifically impacted one of the three rooms in the Egyptian antiquities department. Steinbock explained that the damaged items include historical books, some of which are several hundred years old, dating back to the late 19th century. Efforts to recover these works are currently underway, involving the drying of the wet materials and dehumidifying them page by page using Buffard paper and specialized plants.
The damaged collection also includes visual periodicals and archaeology journals frequently consulted by Egyptologists, Louvre staff, and researchers. Steinbock stated that a complete inventory of the affected items is in progress.
Upcoming Renovations and Recent Security Concerns
The area where the pipe burst is slated for major renovations, aimed at improving the museum’s ventilation and heating systems, starting in September. This flooding incident marks yet another challenge for the Louvre, known as the most visited museum in the world.
Just weeks prior, on October 19, the museum was the site of a brazen jewelry heist. Four thieves executed a well-coordinated theft, stealing eight of France’s crown jewels, valued at approximately €88 million ($102 million), in under eight minutes. The search for the stolen jewels continues, as indicated by the Paris prosecutor’s office.
In connection with the robbery, four men have been arrested, including one apprehended last month. All of them face preliminary charges of robbery by an organized gang and criminal conspiracy. Laure Beccuau, the Paris prosecutor, noted that DNA traces linked to the robbery were discovered at the scene or on related items. Additionally, a woman was arrested on preliminary charges of complicity in theft and criminal conspiracy, although she has denied any involvement, as reported by The Associated Press.
As the Louvre works to recover from both flooding and theft, the museum remains a focal point of cultural heritage and art preservation. The ongoing efforts to restore the damaged works reflect the institution’s commitment to safeguarding its vast collection for future generations.
