In leaked memo to culture minister, Laurence des Cars warns some areas not watertight, threatening artworks

The director of the Louvre has warned the French government about leaks, overcrowding and sub-standard catering in a leaked memo that has raised alarm about the state of the world’s most-visited museum.

Laurence des Cars, the first woman to head the gallery, wrote a confidential note about her concerns to the culture minister, Rachida Dati, earlier this month which was published on Thursday in Le Parisien newspaper.