The world-renowned Louvre Museum in Paris has temporarily closed one of its galleries to the public due to structural safety concerns affecting the historic building. The Campana Gallery, located on the first floor of the museum's south wing, was shut down as a precautionary measure after technical experts identified potential weaknesses in the building's infrastructure.
The closed gallery spans nine rooms and is dedicated to ancient Greek ceramics. According to museum officials, this particular section has been under special building surveillance for several years due to ongoing concerns about its structural integrity. The closure affects a significant portion of the museum's collection display area, temporarily limiting public access to these ancient artifacts.
The decision to close the gallery came after a technical study bureau submitted a report on Friday that raised serious concerns about the building's condition. The report specifically highlighted the fragility of certain beams that support the floors of the second story in the south wing. This structural assessment prompted immediate action from museum management to ensure visitor and staff safety.
As a direct consequence of these safety concerns, 65 museum employees have been required to vacate their offices over the next three days. This temporary relocation affects various staff members working in the compromised areas of the building, demonstrating the extent of the structural issues identified in the technical report.
The current situation underscores broader concerns about the Louvre's aging infrastructure that have been acknowledged at the highest levels of French government. In January, President Emmanuel Macron presented an ambitious renovation plan called the "New Renaissance of the Louvre," advocating for a "restored and expanded" museum. This comprehensive project prioritizes the restoration, technical modernization, and revitalization of the Sully quadrilateral, according to official museum statements.
Louvre President Laurence des Cars has previously warned about the museum's deteriorating condition, describing the establishment as suffering from "damage in spaces that are sometimes very degraded." Her concerns about the building's state of disrepair have now materialized into concrete safety measures that directly impact museum operations and public access.
This gallery closure occurs approximately one month after the Louvre suffered a major security breach involving a burglary. The theft resulted in damages estimated at 88 million euros, highlighting multiple challenges facing the iconic institution. In connection with that investigation, three individuals suspected of participating in a four-man criminal team that carried out the theft have been imprisoned.
The combination of structural concerns and recent security incidents illustrates the complex challenges facing one of the world's most visited cultural institutions as it balances preservation, public access, and safety requirements.
