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Louvre Confirms Nov. 27 Flood Damaged 300–400 Works in Egyptian Library

An internal safety memo says a known‑defective valve above the stacks failed, raising questions over delayed repairs planned for September 2026.

Overview

  • The museum says the tally is ongoing and that the damaged items are research volumes consulted by Egyptologists rather than display treasures.
  • An internal CHSCT message describes a valve feeding faulty pipes that released dirty water, soaking carpets and leaving offices unusable.
  • Staff on site halted the leak before it reached an electrical box below, which the memo says averted a potentially serious accident.
  • Deputy administrator Francis Steinbock confirms repairs to the aging system were scheduled for September 2026 after years of staff warnings.
  • Specialist reporting estimates roughly 400 damaged items with some described as irrecoverable, while officials emphasize these are study materials; the episode adds pressure on leadership following the October crown‑jewels robbery, with arrests made and a Senate presentation of the administrative probe due this week.