Paris’s iconic museum, the Musée du Louvre, is entering a new era under the shadow of crisis and leadership change. Following the theft of the French crown jewels in October, the Louvre’s director, Laurence des Cars, resigned. President Emmanuel Macron, while expressing respect for her decision, stated that the museum needs renewed energy to implement its security and modernization projects.
The newly appointed director, Christophe Leribault, had been serving as director of the Palace of Versailles. Having previously worked at the Louvre between 2006 and 2012 as deputy director of the Department of Graphic Arts, Leribault is well acquainted with both the museum’s historical legacy and its contemporary structure. The Ministry of Culture announced that his priority will be to strengthen the safety of the museum’s building, collections, and staff, restore an atmosphere of trust, and carry out the necessary transformations in collaboration with museum teams.
Theft and Security Crisis
Last October, thieves entered the museum via a balcony overlooking the Seine River, using a mechanical crane mounted on a stolen vehicle. Although four main suspects have been apprehended, eight rare jewels—valued at approximately €88 million—remain missing. The collection includes a diamond and emerald necklace once gifted by Napoleon to his wife. The 19th-century Diamond Tiara of Empress Eugénie, which was dropped and damaged during the escape, will be restored by museum officials.
Following the theft, des Cars acknowledged that the CCTV system around the Louvre was outdated and inadequate. Cameras monitoring only specific points of the museum did not cover the balcony through which the thieves gained entry, exposing a significant security vulnerability. During her tenure, des Cars had aimed to double the number of CCTV cameras.
However, the crisis at the Musée du Louvre is not limited to the theft. In recent months, the museum has also struggled with water leaks, staff strikes, and ticket fraud. In a letter written in January 2025, Laurence des Cars informed authorities about maintenance shortcomings and issues threatening both the collections and the structural safety of the building. In response to these warnings, Emmanuel Macron announced a comprehensive $820 million renovation plan.
Leribault’s Priorities
Christophe Leribault will not only be tasked with managing the current crises at the Louvre. He will also oversee the $92 million security enhancement plan initiated by des Cars, as well as the $820 million Nouvelle Renaissance renovation project announced in January 2025. These projects include modifications to the museum’s entrance and to the Mona Lisa gallery.
In light of past reports revealing security vulnerabilities and ongoing technical failures, the new director is responsible for restoring the Louvre’s reputation. The museum now stands at a critical juncture: implementing modernization projects launched but not completed under des Cars’s leadership, while ensuring the safety of both staff and visitors.
