A water leak at the Louvre in Paris has damaged hundreds of books, exposing further issues at the world's largest museum after a spectacular heist in October.

On Monday, a spokesman for the museum told CNN that the leak damaged 300-400 books, which date from the end of the 19th century to the beginning of the 20th century, when it occurred on Nov. 26.

The leak happened when a valve that forms part of a now-defunct plumbing system was opened in error. This system was shut off months ago and is set to be replaced as part of renovation works starting September 2026, the spokesman said.

The texts are related to Egyptology and scientific documentation. While they are regularly consulted by visitors, they are not the only copies in the world, the spokesman added.

The books will be returned

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