The world-famous Louvre Museum in Paris has been forced to unexpectedly close an exhibition area to visitors due to deteriorating floors that experts warn could pose a collapse risk. The closure affects the Campana Gallery on the first floor of the Sully Wing, which houses ancient Greek ceramics, and has prompted the evacuation of 65 museum staff members from their offices in the corresponding area of the South Wing within three days.
The affected section of the South Wing has been under special structural monitoring for several years, according to museum officials. The floors on the second floor of this wing have shown weaknesses due to their complex architectural design and structural modifications carried out in the 1930s. During a routine condition assessment, a technical planning firm presented a new report on Friday containing alarming findings about the building's structural integrity.
Experts specifically warned about the particular instability of certain beams that support the floors on the second floor of the South Wing, citing unpredictable developments in the structural components. The technical report highlighted concerns about load-bearing beams that have become unstable over time. Following review of the report and recommendations from the chief architect for historic monuments responsible for the Louvre, museum management decided to immediately block access to offices on the second floor.
Additional investigations have been launched to determine the root causes of the instability and to carry out necessary repairs as quickly as possible. The museum emphasized that ensuring visitor and staff safety remains their top priority while they work to address these structural issues. The renovation of the Sully Wing is identified as a crucial component of the comprehensive museum renovation plans presented by President Emmanuel Macron earlier this year.
This latest development adds to recent challenges facing the iconic museum. Just about a month ago, the Louvre made headlines when thieves executed a spectacular heist, breaking into the museum and stealing jewelry worth approximately 88 million euros. The incident sparked a broader debate about security measures at the museum, and while several suspects have been arrested, none of the stolen items have been recovered.
The closure of the Campana Gallery represents a significant disruption for one of the world's most visited museums, which welcomes thousands of visitors daily. Museum officials have not provided a timeline for when the affected areas might reopen, as they await the results of ongoing structural assessments and the completion of necessary repairs to ensure the safety of both visitors and staff.
