A sudden burst pipe, caused by last week’s flooding, has left hundreds of priceless works in the Louvre’s Egyptian antiquities library in disarray.
Flood Damage at the Louvre
According to deputy general administrator Francis Steinbock, the flood damaged at least 300 to 400 works in one of the library’s three rooms. The burst pipe was triggered by the water surge, and a full inventory of affected items is still being compiled.
Nature of the Damaged Works
Steinbock explained that many of the damaged items are books, some dating back to the late 19th century and several hundred years old. Several of these volumes are now wet, and conservators are working to dry them. The drying process includes dehumidifying each page individually with Buffard paper and the use of modifying plants, a specialized conservation technique.
Other items in the library include visual periodicals and archaeology journals that are regularly consulted by Egyptologists, Louvre staff, and researchers. All of these works are currently under assessment.
Planned Renovations
The area where the pipe burst occurred will be part of a major overhaul of the museum’s ventilation and heating systems, scheduled to begin in September 2026. The renovation aims to improve climate control throughout the affected spaces.
Context: The Recent Jewelry Heist
This incident follows the daring robbery that took place on October 19, when four thieves entered the Louvre in less than eight minutes and stole eight of France’s Crown Jewels. The stolen jewels were valued at an estimated 88 million euros (about 102 million dollars).
Ongoing Investigation and Arrests
Four men believed to be part of the robbery team have been arrested, including one last month. All have received preliminary charges of robbery by an organized gang and criminal conspiracy. At the time of three other arrests in October, Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau reported that DNA traces were found at the scene or on items linked to the robbery.
A woman was also arrested in October on preliminary charges of complicity in theft and criminal conspiracy. She has denied any involvement, a claim reported by the Associated Press.
The Hunt Continues
Paris prosecutors continue to search for the four thieves who stole the crown jewels, and the effort to recover the stolen items remains active. Meanwhile, the Louvre faces the twin challenges of restoring its damaged collections and preparing for the upcoming renovation.
Key Takeaways
- Flooding last week damaged 300–400 Egyptian antiquities in the Louvre, including books and periodicals.
- A burst pipe caused the damage, and conservation work is underway to dry and preserve the wet items.
- The affected area will be renovated in 2026, improving ventilation and heating.
- The museum is also grappling with the aftermath of the October 19 jewel heist, with arrests made but the thieves still at large.
The Louvre’s latest setbacks underscore the vulnerability of cultural institutions to both natural disasters and criminal activity, while also highlighting the museum’s resilience and ongoing efforts to protect and restore its priceless heritage.
