The Louvre's ongoing structural issues have led to the temporary closure of a gallery, posing a significant challenge to the museum's operations and reputation. The Campana Gallery, housing ancient Greek ceramics, will be shut down while investigations into structural weaknesses in the beams supporting the second floor above it are conducted.
This announcement comes as a separate concern from the recent high-profile theft, which has already sparked debates about the museum's security measures. The Louvre's security shortcomings have been under scrutiny, with a four-person gang stealing jewelry worth an estimated $102 million in broad daylight last month. Prior to the break-in, the museum's top administrator, Laurence des Cars, had raised concerns about the deteriorating conditions within the former royal palace, which attracted 8.7 million visitors last year.
In a memo from January, des Cars highlighted a growing issue of damage in museum spaces, with some areas in poor condition. She noted that certain areas were no longer waterproof, while others experienced significant temperature variations, endangering the preservation of artworks. The Campana Gallery, located on the first floor in the Sully wing, is currently being used as office space, and the 65 people who work there are being relocated during the investigations.
The Louvre's response to these structural concerns and the recent theft highlights the complex challenges faced by one of the world's most renowned art institutions. As the museum continues to address these issues, the public's trust and the preservation of its invaluable collection remain at stake.
