Flooding Damages Hundreds of Artworks at the Louvre Museum

Heavy flooding at the Louvre Museum in Paris has resulted in damage to hundreds of artworks, primarily in the Egyptian antiquities section. According to Francis Steinbock, the museum’s deputy general administrator, a burst pipe caused the flooding, impacting between 300 and 400 works within one of the library’s three rooms dedicated to Egyptian antiquities.

The incident, which occurred last week, affected a range of materials, including books that date back several centuries to the late 19th century. Some of these works are vital resources for Egyptologists, researchers, and museum staff. Steinbock shared that efforts are currently underway to dry the damaged items, employing techniques such as dehumidifying each page with special Buffard paper and utilizing modifying plants to restore the works.

Upcoming Renovations and Previous Incidents

The area where the pipe burst is set for significant renovations to its ventilation and heating systems, scheduled to begin in September. This flooding incident adds to a series of setbacks for the Louvre Museum, which recently faced a high-profile theft. On October 19, a group of four thieves executed a rapid heist, stealing eight pieces of France’s crown jewels, valued at an estimated €88 million (approximately $102 million).

The investigation into the stolen jewels continues, with the Paris prosecutor overseeing the case. Four men believed to be involved in the robbery have been arrested; one arrest took place last month. All suspects face preliminary charges of organized robbery and criminal conspiracy. During the earlier arrests, Laure Beccuau, the Paris prosecutor, indicated that DNA evidence linked to the crime was discovered at the scene.

Additionally, a woman was arrested in October on preliminary charges of complicity in theft and criminal conspiracy. This individual has denied any involvement, as reported by the Associated Press.

The Louvre, known as the most visited museum in the world, is now facing the dual challenges of recovering from both the flooding and the recent theft. As restoration efforts continue, the museum’s administrative team remains focused on preserving its invaluable collections for future generations.