Paris' world-famous museum, the Louvre, is grappling with another crisis as a water leak has damaged hundreds of artworks in its Egyptian department. The leak, which was caused by an accidental valve opening in the heating and ventilation system, affected between 300 to 400 items, including ancient documents and journals used by researchers.
The damage, which occurred in late November, is described as "extremely useful" but "by no means unique". Fortunately, none of the museum's heritage artefacts have been irreparably damaged. Instead, the damaged works will undergo a thorough drying and restoration process before being returned to their shelves.
This incident comes as a stark contrast to another high-profile security breach that occurred at the Louvre in October, when a group of thieves stole priceless jewellery worth an estimated $102m in just seven minutes. The theft highlighted concerns over the museum's ageing infrastructure, with many calling for structural improvements to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Louvre has announced plans to raise ticket prices by 45% for most non-EU visitors, including US, British and Chinese tourists, from January. This move is expected to boost annual revenues by up to $23m to fund much-needed repairs to the museum's infrastructure.
With over 8.7 million visitors in 2024, the Louvre remains one of the world's busiest museums, with a significant proportion coming from abroad. The recent incidents, however, have raised questions about the museum's ability to balance visitor numbers with security and preservation concerns.
The damage, which occurred in late November, is described as "extremely useful" but "by no means unique". Fortunately, none of the museum's heritage artefacts have been irreparably damaged. Instead, the damaged works will undergo a thorough drying and restoration process before being returned to their shelves.
This incident comes as a stark contrast to another high-profile security breach that occurred at the Louvre in October, when a group of thieves stole priceless jewellery worth an estimated $102m in just seven minutes. The theft highlighted concerns over the museum's ageing infrastructure, with many calling for structural improvements to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Louvre has announced plans to raise ticket prices by 45% for most non-EU visitors, including US, British and Chinese tourists, from January. This move is expected to boost annual revenues by up to $23m to fund much-needed repairs to the museum's infrastructure.
With over 8.7 million visitors in 2024, the Louvre remains one of the world's busiest museums, with a significant proportion coming from abroad. The recent incidents, however, have raised questions about the museum's ability to balance visitor numbers with security and preservation concerns.
I mean come on, a water leak at the Louvre? That's just great 
. Anybody else think it's crazy that they're gonna raise ticket prices by 45% instead of fixing the infrastructure first? 
Like, what's next? They're gonna start charging visitors to breathe in the museum's art 
. And good luck with the restoration process - I'm sure those ancient documents and journals are super chill about being dried out for a while 
.
I mean, what's up with the Louvre? First, a massive security breach and now a water leak that damages hundreds of artworks 
. I'm no expert, but it seems like they need to sort out their infrastructure ASAP 
. I remember back in 2019, there was this whole thing about the museum's heating system being ancient and needing an upgrade 
. Guess what? It happened again! 
That's gonna be a real bummer for tourists on a budget 
Like, have you seen the lines for the Mona Lisa lately? 
It's crazy!
. On one hand, it's great to hear that none of the artefacts were irreparably damaged, so they can get the restoration treatment 
. I mean, we've already seen security breaches and now ticket prices are about to go up 45% 
What do you think - should the Louvre prioritize visitor numbers or preservation?
! I mean, can you even imagine if some of them were lost forever? 
. I mean, I get why they need the cash, but it's gonna be tough for people like me who love visiting the Louvre without breaking the bank 
. But hey, at least nobody got hurt (besides the artworks 
), and the museum is taking steps to fix it. Fingers crossed for a better future! 
, which is super frustrating because none of them are ruined but they still need fixing ASAP. 
... it just shows how old and worn out the place is. I mean, 45% increase in ticket prices? 
i mean, 300-400 artworks damaged is still super bad but at least nothing irreparable right? 
hope they can fix it fast & get everything back to normal soon 
these security breaches are getting more & more concerning tho 
$102m stolen in just 7 minutes?! that's insane 
u think its gonna b worth it tho, esp with all the high-profile thefts lately? i feel like dey shd prioritize security over a higher ticket price... but at the same time, ppl wanna see the art & pay 4 it. 
! water leak is super frustrating but glad no heritage artefacts were ruined 
. 45% increase in ticket prices for non-EU visitors? that's a bit steep don't you think? will it deter tourists or just make them wanna bring more cash 
. time for some proper repairs and security upgrades ASAP 
. And now dey're raisin ticket prices by 45%?! That's just harsh 
, but can't dey find a way 2 balance visitor numbers w/ security & preservation? It's like dey're prioritizin profits over art 
.