Louvre Museum Heist: Museum Director Admits Security Flaws

According to a VNA reporter in Paris, on October 22, President and Director of the Louvre Museum Laurence des Cars had to appear before the French Senate's Culture Committee to explain the theft of a series of rare royal jewels at the Apollo Gallery, an event that shocked public opinion at home and abroad.

During the two-hour hearing, Ms Des Cars admitted there had been “failures” in the museum's security system, but insisted “there was no individual fault” and that the incident “was not inevitable.”

She said that although she submitted her resignation to the Minister of Culture on October 19, she did not shirk her responsibility.

She said security has been a top priority since taking up the position in 2021, but the museum is facing a new type of organized crime it has never been trained to deal with.

Before senators, the head of the Louvre Museum had to answer a series of questions about security procedures, a series of errors and budget spending.

However, Ms Des Cars stressed that the alarm system at the Apollo Gallery was “working perfectly” at the time of the theft and that “the responsibility for monitoring the parking area below lies with the Paris police.”

Explaining the delay in improving security, the Louvre Museum Director said that a comprehensive upgrade plan will be announced in early 2026, due to the strict regulations of the Public Procurement Code.

The project involves installing additional cameras and more than 60km of cabling through the walls and floors of the 244,000-square-metre historic building. She also suggested that the Ministry of the Interior consider the possibility of setting up a police station on the museum grounds to meet the new security challenge.

In parallel, Ms. Des Cars defended the “Louvre Nouvelle Renaissance” renovation project, an initiative initiated by President Emmanuel Macron, which has been criticized by some lawmakers as being expensive and a diversion of conservation resources.

The project is an opportunity to strengthen the heritage, she said, and will see 80 million euros ($92.7 million) allocated specifically for security, including the installation of a surveillance system across the entire museum facade.

Amid the tense atmosphere of the hearing, a rare ray of hope was mentioned: the crown of Empress Eugénie, one of the stolen artifacts, was found after the thieves dropped it during their escape.

However, according to Ms. Des Cars, this artifact was seriously damaged, possibly due to the removal of the display case.

Meanwhile, the stolen jewelry included an emerald necklace and earrings, two tiaras, two brooches, a sapphire necklace and a single earring.

All represent the pinnacle of 19th-century goldsmithing. They are not only ornaments but also have great significance for French culture.

Although it is not clear who is ultimately responsible, observers say the hearing for Director Des Cars shows the great pressure that the Louvre Museum - a cultural symbol of France, is facing in restoring public trust and strengthening the national heritage protection system./.

(TTXVN/Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/vu-trom-tai-bao-tang-louvre-giam-doc-bao-tang-thua-nhan-sai-sot-an-ninh-post1072121.vnp