Built in Paris in the late 12th century, the Louvre Palace for centuries was the official residence of the kings of France, until Louis XIV - weary of rebellious crowds in Paris - abandoned it for Versailles, after which it became a museum for the royal art collection in 1793.

Priceless artworks are at risk from water leaks at Paris' Louvre, according to a leaked memo to France's culture minister. Louvre director Laurence des Cars wrote to Rachida Dati earlier this month, complaining about the "proliferation of damage in museum spaces,

The Paris landmark that houses masterpieces like the Mona Lisa is struggling with leaks, ageing buildings and overcrowded spaces The Louvre, the world's most-visited museum and home to Leonardo da Vinci's "Mona Lisa",