Louvre Director Steps Down Following Jewel Heist and Security Review

The director of the Louvre Museum, Laurence des Cars, has resigned months after a dramatic theft involving France’s historic crown jewels.

Her resignation was submitted to President Emmanuel Macron, who reportedly described the move as an act of responsibility amid ongoing scrutiny of the museum’s security systems.

The theft occurred on the morning of 19 October last year, when intruders used a stolen vehicle-mounted mechanical lift to access the Galerie d’Apollon via a balcony overlooking the River Seine.

Authorities have arrested four main suspects in connection with the incident. However, the eight stolen pieces — valued at approximately €88m — remain missing.

Among the items taken was a diamond and emerald necklace once gifted by Napoleon Bonaparte to his wife. During their escape, the thieves dropped a 19th-century diamond-studded crown belonging to Empress Eugénie, causing damage. The museum has since released images showing the crown to be nearly intact and potentially restorable.

The Louvre, which attracts more than 8.7 million visitors annually and houses masterpieces such as Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, has faced increasing attention over its infrastructure.

Shortly after the theft, des Cars acknowledged that the museum’s external CCTV system was outdated. Notably, the only camera monitoring the exterior wall breached during the break-in was not directed toward the balcony used by the suspects.

Security upgrades had been planned, including a proposal to double surveillance coverage, but funding constraints posed challenges for implementation.

A parliamentary inquiry is now examining the circumstances that allowed the theft to occur. A preliminary report has pointed to systemic weaknesses in security arrangements.

In recent weeks, the museum has also confronted additional operational pressures, including a suspected ticket fraud scheme and a water leak — issues that have intensified calls for institutional reform.