On October 22, the Louvre’s Director, Laurence des Cars, addressed the French Senate, providing insights into the daring jewel heist that transpired on Sunday, while investigations for the thieves continue.
During a livestreamed session lasting two hours, des Cars, who has led the museum since 2021, fielded inquiries from the Senate’s Culture Committee. She conceded that the security system at the Louvre was inadequate and outdated, particularly highlighting that a perimeter camera was directed away from the robbery scene during the incident. Reports indicated that des Cars even offered to resign following the incident, but her resignation was not accepted.
Throughout her testimony, des Cars emphasized her earlier efforts to raise awareness about the museum’s insufficient security measures. She referenced a prior appearance before the Senate in September 2024 warning about the possible vulnerabilities. Alongside her were other Louvre officials, including Deputy General Administrator Francis Steinbock and Security Chief Dominique Buffin, who has faced sexist backlash online since the robbery.
“I have continuously alerted our supervisory bodies, the national representation, and the media regarding the deterioration and outdated conditions of the Louvre, its facilities, and infrastructure,” des Cars stated.
Her appearance coincided with the museum’s reopening after the heist. A spokesperson for the Louvre informed Hyperallergic that timed-entry tickets were fully booked for the week, mirroring demand levels before the robbery. Reports suggest that President Macron instructed the museum to expedite security enhancements shortly after the incident. When questioned about whether additional security protocols had been established before reopening, the Louvre spokesperson refrained from commenting.
Des Cars testified regarding the museum’s gradual improvements in security, noting that these upgrades occur in phases due to factors such as the museum’s vast size and the necessity of keeping it open to the public. Some renovation projects are slated to kick off in early 2026.
“It would be unthinkable to close the Louvre to visitors,” des Cars remarked. “These changes naturally require several years to implement.”
She also noted that new perimeter fences have been installed since 2022, and the museum’s security personnel have been increased by 5.5% since she took charge in 2021. However, staff morale appeared to be low, as indicated by a strike in June instigated by exhaustion and poor working conditions stemming from mass tourism, which led to the museum’s closure for a day.
According to des Cars, the thieves entered the Louvre’s Galerie d’Apollon at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, activating alarms. Security cameras, described as “aging,” failed to capture footage of the robbers, who made off with the 19th-century crown jewels, having been positioned improperly. A staff member contacted the police five minutes post-incident. Reports indicate museum employees attempted to pursue the suspects, which thwarted their efforts to set fire to their getaway vehicle. The thieves absconded with eight crown jewels, including an emerald set with stones believed to be originating from Colombia and a tiara adorned with diamonds and pearls possibly from the Persian Gulf or Indian Ocean. The artifacts are estimated to be worth approximately €88 million (~$102 million).
A newly surfaced video shows at least two individuals, one donning a bright-yellow safety vest akin to those worn by construction workers, rapidly descending from a vehicle’s basket lift.
Des Cars proposed a mix of immediate and long-term security strategies for the Louvre, such as the establishment of a police station on-site, limiting vehicle access around the museum, and improving intruder detection systems.
Experts express concern that the stolen jewels may be melted down and sold on the black market, diminishing the chances of their safe return to the museum. While French authorities have discovered traces of DNA on items discarded by the thieves, no suspects have yet been identified, and the International Criminal Police Organization has released a worldwide alert for the missing treasures.
