Fact Check: The Louvre Museum's President, Laurence des Cars, warned in a leaked memo that parts of the building are 'no longer watertight' and that temperature fluctuations endanger priceless art.

Fact Check: "The Louvre Museum's President, Laurence des Cars, warned in a leaked memo that parts of the building are 'no longer watertight' and that temperature fluctuations endanger priceless art."

What We Know

In a leaked memo dated January 13, 2025, Laurence des Cars, the President of the Louvre Museum, expressed serious concerns regarding the museum's deteriorating infrastructure. She stated that some parts of the building are "no longer watertight" and that temperature fluctuations pose a risk to the preservation of priceless artworks (source-2, source-3). The memo was addressed to France's culture minister, Rachida Dati, and highlighted a "proliferation of damage" in museum spaces, indicating that many areas are in poor condition (source-1, source-6).

Des Cars also pointed out that the museum's facilities for visitors, including food options and restrooms, fall below international standards, exacerbating the challenges faced by both staff and visitors (source-1, source-4).

Analysis

The claims made by Laurence des Cars in her memo are corroborated by multiple reputable sources. The Associated Press reported on the memo's contents, confirming that des Cars warned about the museum's infrastructure issues, including leaks and temperature fluctuations that threaten the artworks (source-1). Similarly, ArtNews and CNN provided detailed accounts of her warnings, emphasizing the urgent need for renovations to address these problems (source-3, source-4).

The reliability of these sources is high, as they are established news organizations with a track record of accurate reporting. The memo itself, being a confidential document that was leaked, adds an additional layer of authenticity to the claims made by des Cars. The memo's publication in Le Parisien, a respected French newspaper, further supports the credibility of the information (source-2).

However, it is important to note that the context surrounding the memo includes ongoing issues related to overcrowding and understaffing at the Louvre, which have been highlighted by staff protests and strikes (source-1). This context suggests that while the memo's claims are valid, they may also be influenced by broader systemic challenges facing the museum.

Conclusion

The claim that Laurence des Cars warned in a leaked memo about parts of the Louvre Museum being "no longer watertight" and that temperature fluctuations endanger priceless art is True. The memo's contents have been confirmed by multiple reliable sources, and the issues raised are consistent with ongoing concerns about the museum's infrastructure and visitor experience.

Sources

1. Overwhelmed and understaffed, the Louvre shuts its doors — a warning ...
2. Leaked Letter Reveals Louvre Director's Plea for Help With Crumbling ...
3. In Leaked Memo, Louvre Director Warns of Leaks and Overcrowding, Calls ...
4. Louvre museum shuts its doors as staff say they are overwhelmed
5. Louvre plagued by leaks and crumbling infrastructure, museum boss ...
6. Louvre president warns of dilapidated buildings - Le Monde.fr
7. Louvre Boss Says Museum 'No Longer Watertight' - Newser