The Louvre Museum in Paris has temporarily closed its Campana Gallery, a significant wing dedicated to ancient Greek ceramics, after a recent structural inspection revealed weaknesses in key support columns. The precautionary measure, announced on Monday, affects nine exhibition rooms and will remain in place while the museum conducts further technical assessments.
According to museum officials, the closure was prompted by concerns over floor stability in the southern wing of the historic building. The issues appear to stem from architectural modifications made in the 1930s, which have contributed to structural instability over time.
The gallery occupies the first floor of the Sully Wing, and the department above it, formerly used as office space, has already been labeled structurally compromised. Around 65 staff members have been relocated as a result.
Ongoing structural challenges and security pressures
This latest disruption adds to a growing list of concerns for the Louvre, which has faced mounting pressure to address the condition of its centuries-old palace. Earlier this year, the museum’s director, Laurence des Cars, sounded the alarm over widespread internal deterioration, including water leaks and temperature fluctuations that threaten artwork preservation. The museum, which welcomed 8.7 million visitors in 2024, is struggling to maintain both its structural integrity and visitor experience.
The closure is not connected to the high-profile theft that took place in October, yet it follows closely on the heels of that incident, further escalating concerns about the security and upkeep of the institution. In the heist, a team of four burglars used a ladder mounted on a truck to break into the Apollo Gallery, smashing display cases and stealing French jewelry valued at approximately €88 million ($101,9 million) before escaping on scooters. The theft highlighted critical gaps in the museum’s security infrastructure and prompted calls for more robust protective measures.
LOUVRE : Le musée du #Louvre annonce la fermeture au public de la galerie Campana, ensemble de neuf salles, en raison d’une “fragilité” de l’édifice, concernant des “poutres portant les planchers” du deuxième étage de l’aile sud du quadrilatère Sully (communiqué du musée… pic.twitter.com/2Bo07jl231
— Infos Françaises (@InfosFrancaises) November 17, 2025
Spotlight on Ancient Greek ceramics
The Campana Gallery is one of the world’s premier spaces for the study and appreciation of ancient Greek ceramics, housing a remarkable collection acquired in the 19th century.
Named after the Italian collector Marquis Giampietro Campana, its displays include masterfully crafted vases, amphorae, and kraters that illustrate the artistry and storytelling techniques of ancient Greek potters.
Greek ceramics offer a unique lens into classical civilization, reflecting both the everyday life and the mythological imagination of the time. Renowned for their black-figure and red-figure techniques, these vessels often depict scenes from heroic tales, religious rituals, and athletic competitions.
For historians and visitors alike, the Campana collection is an essential resource for understanding ancient Greece, making the gallery’s temporary closure a significant cultural setback.
For now, art lovers and scholars will have to wait while the museum secures one of its most treasured collections and strengthens crucial areas of the building. The Louvre has not yet provided a reopening date for the Campana Gallery.
