Paris' iconic Louvre Museum is grappling with a double blow to its security and preservation efforts. Just weeks after a brazen multi-million dollar jewellery theft, a significant water leak has damaged hundreds of valuable works in its Egyptian antiquities department, raising serious questions about the institution's infrastructure.
Double Crisis: From Heist to Water Damage
The world's most visited museum found itself in the spotlight again after authorities confirmed that several hundred works in the Egyptian department were damaged by a water leak in late November. This incident occurred on 26 November 2025, barely a month after a daring daytime robbery in October where Napoleonic jewellery worth an estimated $102 million was stolen in just seven minutes.
Francis Steinbock, the museum's deputy general manager, detailed the extent of the leak's impact. He stated that the water damaged periodicals and archaeological reviews from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. According to reports, between 300 and 400 works were affected. These items, frequently used by Egyptologists and students, were described as "extremely useful" but not "unique." Steinbock sought to allay fears by clarifying, "At this stage, we have no irreparable and definitive losses in these collections" and confirmed that "No heritage artefacts have been affected by this damage."
Cause of the Leak and Restoration Efforts
The leak originated in the museum's Mollien wing. An investigation revealed that a valve from an obsolete heating and ventilation system, which was shut off and scheduled for replacement from September 2026, accidentally opened. This caused water to seep through the ceiling onto the treasured items in the library dedicated to Egyptian antiquities.
An internal investigation into the incident has been launched. Meanwhile, restoration work is already underway. Steinbock explained the process: the damaged works will "be dried, sent to a bookbinder to be restored, and then returned to the shelves." This recent accident has compounded the museum's ongoing troubles from the October heist, where four suspects have been charged but the precious royal necklaces, tiaras, and earrings remain missing.
Infrastructure Concerns and Future Plans
These back-to-back incidents have amplified long-standing concerns about the Louvre's aging infrastructure. The museum has previously acknowledged these challenges. In a move to fund crucial structural improvements, the authorities plan to implement a 45% increase in ticket prices. This hike aims to boost annual revenues by up to $23 million.
The need for investment is underscored by the Louvre's massive popularity. In 2024, it attracted nearly 8.7 million visitors, with 69% arriving from abroad. The combination of a major theft and a preventable infrastructure failure highlights the delicate balance between public access, security, and preservation that one of the world's greatest museums must navigate.
