Flooding Damages Hundreds of Artifacts at Paris’s Louvre Museum

Heavy flooding at the Louvre Museum in Paris has resulted in damage to hundreds of invaluable works, according to the museum’s deputy general administrator, Francis Steinbock. A pipe burst last week, affecting between 300 and 400 artifacts housed in one of the museum’s Egyptian antiquities libraries. Steinbock provided details of the incident during an interview with French broadcast station BFM TV.

The flooding, which originated from a burst pipe, specifically impacted one of the three rooms within the Egyptian antiquities department. Steinbock noted that the damage assessment is ongoing, with a complete count of affected works yet to be finalized. Among the damaged items are various books, some dating back several hundred years to the late 19th century.

Efforts to restore the affected works include drying them out and dehumidifying them page by page. The restoration process involves the use of special materials such as Buffard paper and modifications to the drying environment. The damaged items also include visual periodicals and archaeological journals frequently referenced by Egyptologists, museum staff, and researchers.

This incident marks another challenge for the Louvre, the most visited museum globally, which recently faced a significant security breach. On October 19, 2023, a group of four thieves executed a rapid heist, stealing eight of France’s crown jewels valued at an estimated €88 million (approximately $102 million). The investigation into the theft continues, with Paris’ prosecutor confirming that four men believed to be involved in the robbery have been arrested.

The suspects have been preliminarily charged with robbery by an organized gang and criminal conspiracy. During the arrests, DNA traces linked to the scene were discovered, according to Laure Beccuau, the Paris prosecutor. In addition, a woman was apprehended on preliminary charges of complicity in theft and criminal conspiracy, although she has denied involvement.

The area where the pipe burst is slated for a major renovation of the ventilation and heating system, which is set to commence in September. As the Louvre begins to recover from these setbacks, the museum remains a focal point for art and culture, drawing millions of visitors each year despite recent challenges.