Egyptian archaeology center urges protection of Louvre antiquities amid Paris protests

The Zahi Hawass Center for Archaeology and Heritage has expressed concern over the safety of Egyptian antiquities housed at the Louvre Museum in Paris, calling on French authorities to strengthen security measures following the museum’s closure amid student protests.

The center, headed by prominent Egyptian archaeologist Zahi Hawass, urged the Louvre’s administration and relevant French authorities to implement precautionary measures to protect Egyptian artifacts and collections from potential damage during the demonstrations.

In a statement, the organization emphasized that the antiquities represent an essential part of Egypt’s cultural heritage and a shared legacy of humanity that must be preserved for future generations.

The appeal followed the Louvre’s closure to visitors on Monday after students from the École du Louvre blocked entrances to the museum.

The demonstrations were part of a broader student protest movement in France demanding improvements in educational conditions and expressing dissatisfaction with what participants described as deteriorating public services.

Although the protests prevented the museum from opening to visitors, there have been no reports of damage to its Egyptian antiquities.

The Louvre houses one of the world’s most significant collections of ancient Egyptian artifacts outside Egypt, including objects representing different periods and aspects of Egyptian civilization.

The Zahi Hawass Center stressed that protecting archaeological collections is not solely a matter of preserving national heritage but also an international responsibility to safeguard cultural treasures for future generations.

The organization also expressed hope that stability would return to France and normal public activities would resume, ensuring the safety of residents and visitors while protecting museums and other cultural institutions.