The Louvre Museum has temporarily closed its Campana Gallery in Paris. This precautionary measure follows an audit that revealed structural weaknesses in some of the beams supporting the floor above the gallery. The closure affects nine rooms dedicated to ancient Greek ceramics, located in the museum's Sully wing.
Museum officials announced the closure on Monday. They stated that investigations will now take place into the integrity of the affected beams. This development comes as the Louvre, the world's most visited art institution, faces increased scrutiny over its building conditions and security protocols.
Key Takeaways
- Louvre's Campana Gallery is closed due to structural weaknesses.
- Nine rooms displaying ancient Greek ceramics are inaccessible.
- The issue involves beams supporting the second floor above the gallery.
- This closure follows an internal audit and is a precautionary step.
Structural Concerns Prompt Closure
The decision to close the Campana Gallery stems from an internal audit. This audit identified specific beams supporting the second floor as having structural weaknesses. The museum emphasizes that this is a precautionary measure to ensure visitor and staff safety.
The affected area on the second floor is used as office space. Around 65 people who typically work there are being relocated. This allows for thorough investigations into the structural integrity of the building.
Did You Know?
The Louvre welcomed 8.7 million visitors in 2024, making it one of the most popular museums globally. Its vast collections span centuries of art and culture.
Context of Recent Challenges
This structural issue adds to a series of recent challenges for the Louvre. The museum faced severe criticism last month following a high-profile theft. A four-person gang reportedly used an extendable ladder and angle grinders to steal jewelry valued at an estimated $102 million in broad daylight.
This incident highlighted concerns about the museum's security measures. It also brought into focus broader issues regarding the maintenance of the historic former royal palace.
"During these investigations, the Campana Gallery will be closed to the public as a precautionary measure," the museum stated.
Administrator's Prior Warnings
Before the recent theft and the current gallery closure, the Louvre's top administrator, Laurence des Cars, had already raised concerns about the building's condition. In a memo issued in January, Des Cars detailed a "proliferation of damage in museum spaces." She noted that some areas were in "very poor condition."
Des Cars specifically mentioned issues with water tightness in certain sections of the museum. She also pointed to significant temperature variations in others. These conditions, she warned, could endanger the preservation of valuable artworks.
About the Sully Wing
The Campana Gallery is located in the Sully wing, which forms the eastern part of the Louvre complex. This wing, alongside the Denon and Richelieu wings, houses some of the museum's most important collections, including ancient artifacts and classical sculptures.
Impact on Collections and Visitors
The Campana Gallery houses a significant collection of ancient Greek ceramics. These artifacts are now temporarily unavailable to the public. The duration of the closure remains unclear as investigations are ongoing.
Visitors planning a trip to the Louvre should check the museum's official website for updates on gallery closures and alternative routes. The museum aims to resolve the structural issues and reopen the gallery as soon as it is safe to do so.
- The Campana Gallery holds artifacts from the ancient Greek world.
- Its closure impacts access to these specific historical collections.
- Visitors should consult the Louvre's official channels for current information.
Ongoing Maintenance and Preservation Efforts
Maintaining a historic structure like the Louvre presents unique challenges. The building itself is a former royal palace with centuries of history. Regular audits and maintenance are crucial for its long-term preservation.
The current structural investigation underscores the continuous effort required to safeguard both the building and its priceless contents. This commitment extends to ensuring a safe environment for the millions of people who visit each year.
The Louvre remains a vital cultural institution. These recent events highlight the complex balance between preserving history, ensuring public safety, and managing a modern, high-traffic museum operation.