A water leak at the Louvre has damaged several hundred books, adding to concerns about the museum’s condition following a high-profile heist in October. A museum spokesperson said that between 300 and 400 books, dating from the late 19th to the early 20th centuries, were affected when the incident occurred on November 26.
The leak was caused by a mistakenly opened valve connected to an old, inactive plumbing system set for replacement during renovations beginning in 2026. The damaged texts, which focus on Egyptology and scientific documentation, are regularly consulted, though not unique.
Museum officials say the books will be dried, repaired, and returned to the shelves, and they do not expect lasting damage. Still, the incident adds to growing scrutiny over the Louvre’s infrastructure and security challenges.
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