The renowned Louvre museum has made an announcement regarding the closure of one of its galleries due to structural concerns. This decision comes shortly after a theft incident where valuable jewels were stolen from the museum.
According to a statement released by the museum, a recent technical report highlighted the fragility of specific beams supporting the floors on the second level of the southern wing of the Sully wing. As a precautionary measure, access to the second-level offices has been restricted, and the 65 employees working there have been temporarily relocated for three days while experts evaluate the damage. Additionally, the Campana Gallery, which houses Greek ceramics and is situated below the offices, will also be closed temporarily.
The modernization of the Sully wing is a key focus of the renovation plans announced earlier this year, as the museum, a former medieval palace and the world’s most visited, prepares for extensive renovations.
In addition to the structural concerns, the Louvre is still dealing with the aftermath of a recent heist where crown jewels valued at over $100 million were stolen. Despite arrests made by French authorities in connection with the theft, the whereabouts of the stolen jewels remain unknown.
Criticism has been directed at the museum’s security measures, with a report from the Court of Auditors highlighting a preference for investing in new artworks and exhibitions over the maintenance and protection of the museum. The report indicated significant spending on new artworks and exhibition spaces compared to maintenance and restoration works on the palace building.
The heist, which occurred in broad daylight just minutes after the museum’s opening, has raised concerns about security protocols. The thieves targeted the gilded Apollon Gallery, where the Crown Diamonds are displayed, and managed to escape on motorcycles after smashing display cases.
In a separate development, a damaged object, the emerald-set imperial crown of Napoleon III’s wife, Empress Eugénie, containing over 1,300 diamonds, was discovered outside the museum. Efforts are underway to restore the object, although some small diamond pieces are still missing.