Louvre faces complex security overhaul after jewel heist

Nearly a year after crown jewels worth $100 million were stolen, the Louvre's new director says fixing security gaps will require major renovation work and further investment.

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Louvre faces complex security overhaul after jewel heist

Nearly a year after crown jewels worth $100 million were stolen, the Louvre's new director says fixing security gaps will require major renovation work and further investment.

In brief

Nearly a year after crown jewels worth $100 million were stolen, the Louvre's new director says fixing security gaps will require major renovation work and further investment. The Louvre is undertaking a major security overhaul following a one hundred million dollar jewel theft in October twenty twenty-five, but the…

Jewels still missing after heist

Crown jewels valued at around one hundred million dollars were stolen from the Louvre on nineteen October twenty twenty-five in broad daylight. Four suspected robbers have been arrested but the jewels remain unfound.

Theft exposed serious security gaps

The robbery revealed multiple security flaws at the world's most visited museum and triggered an unprecedented crisis. The fallout led to the resignation of former Louvre president Laurence des Cars.

New director outlines complex plan

Christophe Leribault, who took over as Louvre director in February, says there is no easy solution.

“There is no easy, miraculous, 'surface-level' solution.”

Renovation project faces union opposition

Leribault supports the Louvre New Renaissance, a one billion euro restoration project announced by President Emmanuel Macron in twenty twenty-five. But labour unions argue security can improve without it.

Annual security investment pledged

The Louvre has pledged to invest around twenty million euros a year in security between now and twenty thirty-two. Since July it has had a dedicated security chief overseeing measures across the museum.

Seeking private funding for overhaul

With the French government under pressure to cut spending, Leribault is seeking around three hundred thirty million euros from private sources.

Cultural shift on security needed

Laurent Lafon, chair of the Senate's culture committee, says the Louvre needs a cultural shift regarding security that will take several years. Museum management must internalise that security is a priority.

“The Louvre needs a cultural shift regarding security, a process that has yet to happen and will take several years.”

In short

The Louvre is undertaking a major security overhaul following a one hundred million dollar jewel theft in October twenty twenty-five, but the work requires extensive renovation and private funding.

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