Mon Dec 08 05:31:11 UTC 2025: ## Louvre Suffers Water Damage to Antiquities Library Amidst Security Concerns
Paris, France – December 8, 2025 – The Louvre Museum, already reeling from a recent jewel heist and structural issues, has suffered further embarrassment after a water leak damaged hundreds of rare books in the Egyptian antiquities department’s library.
According to specialist website La Tribune de l’Art, approximately 400 books were affected by the leak, which they attribute to deteriorating pipe conditions. The website claims the department has long requested funding to address the risks to the collection.
Louvre Deputy Administrator Francis Steinbock confirmed the incident to BFM TV on Sunday, stating the leak occurred in one of the three library rooms used by Egyptologists. While he asserted that “no precious books” were lost, he acknowledged the problem had been known for years and that repairs are not scheduled until September 2026.
This incident comes on the heels of a brazen October 19th jewel theft, where four burglars absconded with $102 million worth of jewels, highlighting significant security vulnerabilities at the world-renowned museum. Furthermore, in November, structural weaknesses forced the partial closure of a gallery housing Greek vases and museum offices.
A report published in October by France’s Cour des Comptes, the public audit body, criticized the Louvre’s infrastructure upkeep, suggesting it has been hampered by excessive spending on artwork. The recent water damage incident underscores these concerns and raises questions about the museum’s ability to adequately protect its collection.
First Piper 