Louvre Water Leak Damages Hundreds of Egyptian Artifacts in Paris
Louvre Water Leak Damages Hundreds of Egyptian Artifacts in Paris
A water leak in the Louvre's Egyptian department damages hundreds of items, weeks after a brazen jewel theft put the museum's security under the spotlight.
A water leak at the Louvre in Paris has damaged hundreds of works in the Egyptian department, coming just weeks after thieves stole priceless crown jewels from the museum in broad daylight. Officials say between 300 and 400 items were affected, and the tally is still being updated. The affected volumes are said to be those consulted by Egyptologists, with officials stressing that no precious books were among the damaged items.
Discovered in late November, the leak appears to have originated from a valve in the heating system. The problem had been known for years, and repairs are planned for next year, according to the museum’s deputy administrator.
The incident has added another layer of scrutiny to the Louvre’s infrastructure in the wake of the jewel theft, which already cast a spotlight on security measures. Conservation teams will continue to assess the damage and determine the best steps to safeguard the remaining collection as work on fixes progresses.
