Louvre boss quits four months after $146m heist
Sydney Morning Herald
by Lily ShanagherFebruary 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Laurence des Cars, director of the Louvre, has resigned following mounting criticism over security lapses that led to one of the most significant art heists in history. The theft, which occurred in October 2025, saw thieves steal jewels worth €88 million ($146 million), including France’s crown jewels, after breaching the museum with power tools and overpowering guards. Des Cars had offered her resignation immediately after the heist but was persuaded to stay by French President Emmanuel Macron, who wanted her to navigate the ongoing public inquiry. However, following a scathing report that criticized her for “systematic failures,” Macron’s office accepted her resignation as an act of responsibility, emphasizing the need for fresh leadership at the museum.
The heist exposed severe security and infrastructure shortcomings at the Louvre. Des Cars had long warned about the building’s dilapidated state, outdated technical systems, and congestion issues. The theft was compounded by a lack of adequate surveillance—only one camera pointed away from the entry point where the thieves broke in. Des Cars revealed that she had intended to double the number of security cameras but faced resistance, highlighting a broader issue of underfunded security while the museum spent lavishly on acquiring new artworks.
The inquiry also highlighted the museum’s struggles with staff strikes over low pay and poor maintenance, which forced closures during December and January 2025. Additionally, French police recently dismantled a large-scale ticket fraud network linked to two museum employees, further tarnishing the institution’s reputation. The heist has sparked global concern about museum security practices and the prioritization of collections over safety measures.
Des Cars acknowledged her role in the crisis but emphasized that the masterminds behind the theft remain at large. She expressed hope that her successor would inherit a clear framework to address these issues. Critics, including state auditors, have questioned the museum’s spending priorities, pointing out that only a quarter of its new artworks are displayed, while security and maintenance receive minimal funding.
The Louvre heist is not just a local issue but a global concern, raising questions about the protection of cultural heritage in an increasingly insecure world. As museums face rising threats, the lessons from this incident could shape future policies on security and resource allocation for cultural institutions worldwide.
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Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/25/2026