A water leak at the Louvre has caused damage to a 19th Century ceiling painting, in the latest major setback for the Parisian museum. Water damage was discovered in room 707, also known as the 'Duchâtel' room, late on Thursday night, the museum said. The leak originated from a heating pipe and was contained shortly after midnight. The only affected artwork was Charles Meynier's The Apotheosis of Poussin, Le Sueur and Le Brun. The damage included two tears and lifted paint in the ceiling artwork.
This incident follows another day of turmoil for the Louvre, when French police detained nine individuals—including two museum staff—over a suspected ticket fraud scheme. Museum officials have faced increasing scrutiny, especially after a brazen theft of priceless crown jewels in broad daylight and previous damage to hundreds of books due to leaks.
Following the discovery of the leak, firefighters responded quickly, and rooms 706, 707, and 708 in the Denon wing were temporarily closed for inspection. The chief architect found no structural problems, although the cost of the damage remains unclear. The Louvre continues to grapple with ongoing maintenance issues, prompting concerns about its management and oversight.
This incident follows another day of turmoil for the Louvre, when French police detained nine individuals—including two museum staff—over a suspected ticket fraud scheme. Museum officials have faced increasing scrutiny, especially after a brazen theft of priceless crown jewels in broad daylight and previous damage to hundreds of books due to leaks.
Following the discovery of the leak, firefighters responded quickly, and rooms 706, 707, and 708 in the Denon wing were temporarily closed for inspection. The chief architect found no structural problems, although the cost of the damage remains unclear. The Louvre continues to grapple with ongoing maintenance issues, prompting concerns about its management and oversight.
