Officials at the Louvre Museum in Paris confirmed Sunday that hundreds of historically significant books were damaged in late November after a water leak inside the institution’s Mollien Wing, home to the Department of Egyptian Antiquities.

What Louvre officials say about the damage

Deputy Administrator Francis Steinbock said the leak, discovered on November 26, affected “300 to 400 works” dating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He described the books as “extremely useful but by no means unique,” emphasizing that the incident had not affected any heritage artefacts.

“At this stage, we have no irreparable and definitive losses in these collections,” Steinbock said. He added that the damaged books will be dried, restored by a bookbinder and eventually returned to the shelves.

Experts dispute the museum’s assessment

The museum’s reassuring tone was challenged by an article published Saturday in La Tribune de l’Art, a specialist online magazine. The report claimed that several book bindings were irreparably damaged and accused Louvre administrators of ignoring repeated warnings from the Egyptian department regarding needed building repairs and protective measures.

Another setback for the Louvre

The water leak is the latest in a series of high-profile mishaps at the world’s most visited museum.

In October, four thieves carried out a bold daylight heist, escaping with bags of crown jewels valued at more than $102 million (€87.6 million). Many fear the jewels, considered culturally priceless, may have been dismantled and sold for their materials.

A month later, the Louvre was forced to close a gallery displaying Greek vases over structural concerns.

Experts in the Department of Egyptian Antiquities have repeatedly urged management to address infrastructure vulnerabilities, but funding delays have stalled upgrades.

What caused the leak?

According to Steinbock, the leak originated from an outdated heating system scheduled for replacement in September 2026. A valve in the old system was mistakenly opened, causing water to saturate carpets on the floor above the collection. When the carpets could no longer absorb the leak, water seeped through the ceiling onto the books.

The museum says an internal investigation is underway.

Debate over Louvre’s spending priorities

The incident comes amid broader scrutiny of the Louvre’s financial management.

The museum recently announced a 45% ticket price increase for non-EU visitors, raising admission to €32. Officials estimate the hike will generate an additional $23 million annually. Roughly 69% of the Louvre’s 8.7 million yearly visitors come from abroad.

France’s Court of Auditors (Cour des comptes) has criticized the museum for overspending on art acquisitions while falling behind on essential infrastructure, safety, and maintenance upgrades.
La Tribune de l’Art also pointed to costly renovations of management offices and purchases of designer furniture, contrasting them with the museum’s slow response to structural risks affecting the collections.