Louvre president resigns as jewellery heist inquiry reveals ‘systemic failures’

The Guardian World

by Jon Henley in Paris

February 24, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Laurence des Cars, the President of Paris’s Louvre Museum, has resigned following a major jewellery heist that exposed significant security failures within one of the world’s most prestigious cultural institutions. The decision came after a parliamentary inquiry criticized the museum for operating as a “state within a state,” highlighting systemic issues in its management and security protocols. Des Cars tendered her resignation to French President Emmanuel Macron, who praised the move as an “act of responsibility” following the theft of €88 million worth of Napoleonic jewellery in one of France’s most audacious heists in decades. The heist occurred four months ago when a gang of thieves broke into the Louvre’s Apollo gallery, bypassing security systems and alarms to steal the priceless jewels. The breach raised serious questions about the museum’s safeguarding measures and its ability to protect its vast collection of artifacts and treasures. Des Cars had previously offered to step down immediately after the burglary, but it was only following the damning parliamentary inquiry that she formally resigned. The inquiry revealed a troubling pattern of mismanagement and lax security practices at the Louvre. Investigators found that the museum’s leadership failed to address warnings about vulnerabilities in its security systems, leaving it exposed to potential breaches. The findings not only implicated the museum’s management but also highlighted broader concerns about the governance and accountability of public institutions in France. The resignation of des Cars is a significant moment for both the Louvre and the cultural sector as a whole. It underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in managing such high-profile institutions, which are often seen as symbols of national pride and heritage. The incident has sparked a broader debate about security protocols at museums and the need for greater oversight to prevent similar breaches in the future. For readers interested in global news and cultural affairs, this story highlights the intersection of security, governance, and the preservation of history. It serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of neglecting institutional safeguards and the importance of taking responsibility when failures occur. The Louvre’s situation is not just a local issue but a reminder of the challenges faced by cultural institutions worldwide in balancing accessibility with security.

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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/24/2026