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 substandard 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.