On Monday, a museum representative reported that a leak had caused damage to between 300 and 400 books. These books, which hail from the late 19th to early 20th centuries, were affected by the incident on November 26.
The leak occurred due to the accidental opening of a valve belonging to an outdated plumbing system, which had been deactivated months earlier. This system is slated for replacement during renovation projects scheduled to begin in September 2026, the spokesperson explained.
In a swift seven-minute operation, thieves absconded with valuables estimated to be worth over $100 million USD (approximately $150 million AUD), sparking widespread concern over the museum’s insufficient security measures.
Authorities have also pointed out “structural challenges” confronting the museum, a historical site that dates back to the late 12th century and attracted 8.7 million visitors last year.
In response, the museum announced in November that it would raise ticket prices to support a modernization initiative.
Starting January 14, 2026, tickets for visitors from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) — which includes EU member states along with Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway — will be priced at €32 ($56), marking a 45% increase from current rates.
This is expected to bring in an extra €15-20 million ($26-35 million) a year, which will be invested in infrastructure upgrades.
