Louvre Museum Forced to Close Historic Gallery Over Structural Weakness

The Louvre Museum in Paris has closed a major gallery. This sudden closure happened on Monday. It affects the Campana gallery in the Sully wing. The reason is serious structural weakness found in the building.This move comes less than a month after a multi-million dollar heist at the same museum. A new technical report revealed the dangerous state of the beams. The museum’s statement confirmed the immediate closure for public safety.

Safety Concerns Prompt Staff Relocation and Visitor Restrictions

The structural issues are located under the second floor. The weakness forced the closure of the first-floor Campana gallery. This gallery houses a collection of Greek vases. Sixty-five staff members have also been relocated from offices on the second floor.According to Reuters, a union representative expressed deep concern. Valerie Baud of the CFDT union said staff had warned about the building’s condition for years. She called the situation a major deterioration that was worse than anticipated.

Closure Highlights Broader Museum Neglect and Security Failures

This closure is another sign of the museum’s infrastructure problems. A state auditor’s report had previously criticized the management. The report said security and infrastructure were neglected in favor of new art acquisitions.The closed gallery is adjacent to the Apollo gallery. That is where last month’s daring heist took place. Thieves used angle grinders to steal historical jewels worth $102 million. Those jewels have not yet been recovered.

Luna’s Daring Prison Escape Shakes Up The Bold and the Beautiful

The Louvre’s latest closure underscores the severe state of its infrastructure. These structural problems now directly impact public access to art. The museum must address these foundational issues to protect its future.

Thought you’d like to know

Which part of the Louvre is closed?

The Campana gallery in the Sully wing is now closed. It houses Greek vases. Offices on the floor above were also evacuated.

Why did the Louvre close the gallery?

A technical report found weak beams supporting the floor. The museum stated the closure was necessary for safety reasons to protect visitors and staff.

Is the rest of the Louvre Museum safe?

The closure appears isolated to the Sully wing’s affected area. The museum remains open to the public, but visitors should check for updates on other gallery access.

How does this relate to the recent heist?

The closed gallery is next to the Apollo gallery, where the jewel theft occurred. Both incidents highlight different vulnerabilities in the museum’s security and infrastructure.

What is being done about the structural problems?

The museum has initiated safety measures, including the immediate closure. Further structural analysis and repairs are likely the next steps, though a timeline has not been announced.