The Louvre Museum experienced a water leak in the Denon gallery, which is home to its most valuable artworks, on the night of Thursday, October 12. A union representative confirmed that while the area housing the iconic Mona Lisa by Da Vinci was spared from damage, the gallery has been closed to the public as a precautionary measure. Scaffolding has been erected in the affected area to assist with the response to the incident while further evaluations continue.

The leak originated from the floor above the Denon gallery, specifically in room 707 where paintings by 19th-century French artist Charles Meynier and 16th-century Italian artist Bernardino Luini are displayed. As of Friday noon, a comprehensive assessment of the potential damage caused by the leak had not been disclosed to the public. The museum's spokesperson has yet to provide detailed comments on the situation, leaving many in the cultural community concerned about the vulnerability of such significant artworks.

This incident marks the second water-related problem at the Louvre in less than three months, amid a backdrop of various issues including thefts and public protests. The museum, known globally for its extensive collection of art, including the Mona Lisa, is now faced with urgent questions regarding its infrastructure and the measures needed to protect its invaluable heritage for future generations.