France exhales as Louvre director finally resigns after stolen jewels, burst pipe near Mona Lisa, $11.8 million ticket fraud scandal

Fortune

by Thomas Adamson, John Leicester, The Associated Press

February 24, 2026

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The Louvre Museum’s director, Laurence des Cars, has resigned following a string of high-profile crises that have shaken the world's most visited museum. These include the theft of crown jewels valued at €88 million ($102 million) in October, a burst pipe near the "Mona Lisa," water damage to priceless artifacts, staff strikes over overcrowding and understaffing, and an alleged decade-long ticket fraud scheme that may have cost the Louvre €10 million ($11.8 million). President Emmanuel Macron accepted her resignation as an act of responsibility, citing the need for calm and new momentum for security upgrades and modernization. The museum faced increasing scrutiny after the audacious theft, which occurred in less than eight minutes during daylight hours. Several suspects were arrested, but the stolen jewels remain missing. Des Cars had initially offered to resign immediately following the heist but was persuaded to stay by the culture minister. However, she later concluded that continuing in her role would hinder the Louvre’s much-needed transformation. The resignation comes amid broader concerns about the museum's aging infrastructure, obsolete security systems, and chronic understaffing, which have been exacerbated by record visitor numbers. Front-of-house staff and security workers had previously staged wildcat strikes, highlighting growing frustration over working conditions and slow reforms. The museum’s leadership was also criticized for failing to address these issues, leading to a narrative of institutional mismanagement. Macron has announced plans to reassign des Cars to a new role focused on international cultural cooperation during France’s presidency of the Group of Seven. This shift underscores the broader implications of the Louvre’s crises beyond cultural institutions, as they raise questions about France’s ability to manage its heritage and public infrastructure effectively in the face of global challenges. The resignations and scandals at the Louvre highlight significant business and financial stakes for both cultural institutions and governments. The museum’s struggles—ranging from security breaches to labor unrest—underscore the broader

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Originally published on Fortune on 2/24/2026