People line up to enter the Louvre museum in Paris on Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025. AP Photo
The Louvre confirmed that a water leak at the end of November damaged several hundred works stored in its Egyptian department. The museum released the details after growing concern about its aging systems, especially following a major jewel theft earlier in the fall.
Francis Steinbock, the museum’s deputy administrator, said the leak was found on November 26. He explained that “between 300 and 400 works” suffered damage. Most of the affected items include Egyptology journals, research papers, and scientific notes. These materials help scholars study the museum’s vast Egyptian collection.
Steinbock said the damaged works date from the late 1800s and early 1900s. He described them as important tools for researchers but stressed that they are “by no means unique.” He also noted that none of the museum’s ancient artefacts were harmed. “At this stage, we have no irreparable and definitive losses in these collections,” he said.
Leak Adds to Concerns Over Museum Safety
The incident came only weeks after a daring heist inside the world-famous museum. In October, four thieves stole jewellery valued at roughly $102 million. They reportedly carried out the theft in only seven minutes before escaping on scooters. The robbery raised questions about the museum’s security and building infrastructure.
The water leak has added a new layer of concern. The Louvre announced that it will run an internal investigation to understand exactly how the accident occurred. According to the museum, the leak began when a valve in the heating and ventilation system opened by accident. Water then seeped through the ceiling of the Mollien wing, where the journals and documents were stored.
Steinbock said the heating and ventilation system is “completely obsolete” and has been shut down for months. The Louvre plans to replace the entire system starting in September 2026.
Restoration Work Now Underway
The damaged documents are now in the hands of specialists. Staff members moved quickly to dry the materials to prevent further harm. From there, experts will send the works to a bookbinder for full restoration. After repairs, the items will return to their shelves for future research.
Museum officials say they want to strengthen the building’s reliability as part of long-term plans. Maintenance and upgrades remain a priority for the institution, which manages thousands of artworks and historical items.
Louvre Plans Ticket Price Increase
In late November, just days before details of the leak emerged, the Louvre announced a ticket price increase for most visitors from outside the European Union. Those coming from countries such as the United States, China, and the United Kingdom will soon pay 32 euros, or about $37, for admission.
The museum said the 45-percent rise will help increase annual revenue by up to $23 million. That money will go toward building upgrades and structural improvements.
The Louvre remains the most-visited museum in the world. It welcomed 8.7 million visitors in 2024, with nearly 70 percent arriving from abroad.
