The City of Light is holding its breath as the River Seine continues to swell, prompting emergency measures at France's most visited museum. The Louvre has initiated a major operation to safeguard its priceless collection from the encroaching waters.
Emergency Evacuation of National Treasures
Museum officials confirmed they've been working through the night to relocate vulnerable artworks stored in basement storage areas. The prestigious institution, which welcomed over 8 million visitors last year, is taking no chances with France's cultural heritage.
'We're taking preventive measures,' a Louvre spokesperson stated, confirming that the museum's flood prevention plan has been activated. While the main exhibition spaces remain open to the public, staff are working tirelessly behind the scenes to protect centuries of artistic mastery.
Seine Reaches Critical Levels
The river that gives Paris its romantic charm has become a source of serious concern, with water levels steadily rising throughout the week. Meteorological services have issued repeated warnings as heavy rainfall continues to batter the Paris region.
This isn't the first time the Louvre has faced such threats. The museum's elaborate flood protection system was developed following the devastating 1910 Great Flood of Paris, which submerged parts of the city for weeks.
Which Masterpieces Are at Risk?
While the Louvre hasn't disclosed the specific artworks being moved, the basement areas typically house:
- Lesser-exhibited paintings and sculptures
- Archaeological fragments
- Research materials and archives
- Museum maintenance equipment
The museum's most famous residents, including the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo, are already housed on higher floors and considered safe from flooding.
Paris Braces for Further Rainfall
French meteorological services indicate that the worst may not be over, with additional rainfall expected throughout the weekend. The situation has drawn comparisons to 2016, when the Seine reached its highest level in decades, forcing the Louvre to close several lower-level rooms.
Tourists and Parisians alike are watching the rising waters with concern, though city officials emphasize that the current precautions are primarily preventive. The Louvre's emergency protocol demonstrates how climate change is forcing cultural institutions worldwide to reconsider their protection strategies for invaluable artworks.
