Louvre Director Laurence des Cars Resigns After High-Profile Jewel Heist
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The director of the Louvre Museum, Laurence des Cars, has resigned after months of mounting pressure following a dramatic jewel heist and a series of institutional crises at the world’s most visited museum.
French President Emmanuel Macron accepted her resignation on February 24, 2026, describing the decision as “an act of responsibility at a time when the world’s largest museum needs calm and a strong new impetus.” In a statement from the presidency, Macron thanked Des Cars for her commitment and “undeniable scientific expertise,” while emphasizing the need for renewed leadership to oversee major security and modernization projects.
Des Cars had led the Louvre since 2021, becoming the first woman to head the museum in its 230-year history. A respected specialist in 19th-century art, she previously directed both the Musée d’Orsay and the Musée de l’Orangerie and played a key role in the development of the Louvre Abu Dhabi through her work with the France-Muséums agency.
Her resignation comes in the wake of a high-profile robbery in October 2025 that exposed major vulnerabilities in the museum’s security infrastructure.
The €88 Million Heist That Shook the Louvre
The theft occurred when burglars used a vehicle-mounted mechanical lift to access a balcony overlooking the River Seine, entering through a window leading to the Gallery of Apollo, home to France’s crown jewels. According to the Louvre’s official press statement, investigations into the burglary began immediately after the incident.
Eight historic pieces of jewelry valued at roughly €88 million (around $102 million) were stolen. Among them were items tied to France’s imperial past, including a diamond and emerald necklace once gifted by Napoleon Bonaparte to his wife.
Four suspects have since been arrested, but the jewels themselves remain missing.
One object was recovered during the thieves’ escape: the diamond-studded crown of Empress Eugénie, which was dropped and damaged as the suspects fled. Museum officials later confirmed that the crown was “nearly intact” and could be restored.
In the immediate aftermath of the raid, Des Cars acknowledged serious weaknesses in the museum’s surveillance infrastructure. The only CCTV camera covering the exterior wall where the thieves entered was pointed away from the balcony they used, highlighting what she described as an “ageing” and insufficient security system.
Security Failures and Institutional Pressure
Investigations quickly revealed deeper structural issues. Earlier audits showed that the Louvre’s security system had been considered outdated for nearly a decade, despite repeated warnings about risks to the building and its collections.
A 2018 report had even identified the exact window used during the robbery as a potential vulnerability.
Critics also noted that a security overhaul plan prepared by former Louvre director Jean‑Luc Martinez before the Olympic Games had not been fully implemented. Des Cars had instead attempted to revise the proposal, a move that reportedly delayed improvements.
Following the heist, the museum announced a $92 million security modernization plan, including a major expansion of CCTV coverage. However, the controversy intensified when a parliamentary inquiry described “systemic failures” that enabled the break-in. The final report is expected in May.
A Museum Facing Multiple Crises
Security concerns were only one part of the turmoil.
Since late 2025 the Louvre has also faced:
- Staff strikes over pay and working conditions
- A ticket fraud investigation involving museum employees
- Two separate water leaks in the building
- Growing criticism over overcrowding and infrastructure strain
Despite welcoming more than 8.7 million visitors annually, the museum has struggled to keep pace with maintenance and operational demands.
In a leaked letter earlier this year, Des Cars warned the French government about the “severe reality” of the museum’s ageing infrastructure and the strain placed on staff and facilities.
What Happens Next
Macron has appointed Christophe Leribault as the Louvre’s new director. Leribault currently leads the Palace of Versailles and is expected to focus on restoring trust in the institution while strengthening security across the museum and its collections.
He will also inherit the ambitious “Nouvelle Renaissance” project, an $800 million redevelopment plan intended to modernize the museum and improve visitor circulation, including proposals for a new dedicated gallery for the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci.
Whether the project continues unchanged remains uncertain following the leadership transition.
As stories like this continue to unfold across the art world, they also raise a larger question. Can museums truly protect priceless artworks while welcoming millions of visitors each year?
What do you think about it? If you have thoughts you’d like to share, write to us at support@artstoheartsproject.com we’d love to hear from you.
Sources
Reuters – Louvre museum director resigns months after high-profile heist
Artnet News – Embattled Louvre Director Laurence des Cars Resigns
