Water Leak at Louvre Damages Books

The Louvre, the world's largest museum located in Paris, recently faced a water leak that damaged hundreds of books. The incident occurred on November 26, affecting between 300 and 400 books dating from the late 19th to early 20th centuries.

The leak was caused by an accidental opening of a valve in an old plumbing system that is no longer in use. This system is scheduled for replacement during renovation works starting in September 2026. The damaged books are related to Egyptology and scientific documentation.

While this incident is concerning, it's not the only recent problem at the Louvre. In October, the museum experienced a significant theft where valuable jewelry was stolen. These issues have highlighted the need for improved security and infrastructure at the historic museum.

To address these challenges, the Louvre plans to increase ticket prices for non-European visitors starting in 2026. This price hike aims to generate additional funds for much-needed modernization and upgrades to the museum's facilities.