“Time to Bring Them Back Home” Damaged Egyptian Artifacts Caused By a Water Leak at The Louvre is Sparking Online Outrage

In late November, a water leak at the world-renowned Louvre Museum in Paris left many outraged, as hundreds of items from the Egyptian department were damaged.

The incident comes just weeks after the high-profile jewel theft at the museum, raising further concerns about the Louvre’s infrastructure and the safety of its collections.

While the leak did not damage priceless artifacts, it has sparked online outrage, with many calling for these precious items to be returned to Egypt.

 

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What Happened?

A water leak in the Egyptian department at the Louvre Museum caused significant damage to hundreds of items, including Egyptology journals and scientific documentation.

The leak was traced back to a malfunction in the museum’s heating system, which led to water seeping through the ceiling of the department. The damage, which occurred in late November, affected approximately 300 to 400 items from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Francis Steinbock, the museum’s deputy administrator, confirmed the incident and assured the public that no priceless artifacts were harmed. The damaged items, though important, were mainly academic works, including journals and documents consulted by researchers in the field of Egyptology.

These materials, while valuable in terms of historical knowledge, were not considered “irreplaceable heritage artifacts.”

The Aftermath

While no major losses have been reported in terms of heritage artifacts, the affected items will undergo restoration by a professional bookbinder. Once the restoration is complete, the items will be returned to their shelves, ensuring that they remain accessible for research and reference.

Steinbock further stated that the heating and ventilation system that caused the leak had been “completely obsolete” for some time. The system was scheduled for replacement by September 2026, but unfortunately, it failed before the planned upgrades could take place. The museum’s infrastructure issues have now come under renewed scrutiny, especially after the recent theft of priceless jewelry worth millions.

Online Outrage

Despite assurances that no priceless objects were damaged, the incident has ignited a wave of online outrage. Many people are now calling for the Egyptian artifacts housed at the Louvre to be returned to their home country, especially considering the ongoing issues with the museum’s infrastructure.

The debate around the return of Egypt’s ancient treasures has been a long-standing one. For years, Egypt has called for the repatriation of its cultural heritage, with many arguing that these artifacts should be kept in their country of origin, where they hold deep cultural and historical significance.

With the recent damage to the Egyptian department’s items, the conversation about returning these artifacts has intensified. The public’s outrage stems not just from the potential damage but also from a growing desire to see Egypt’s heritage preserved and cared for in the right context, rather than being kept in a museum abroad where it might be vulnerable to such incidents.

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