Louvre Jewelry Heist: Museum President Testifies Amid Security Criticism

In the wake of the audacious October 2025 theft at the Louvre, where eight imperial jewels valued at approximately 88 million euros were stolen, Laurence des Cars, president and director of the Louvre, faced intense scrutiny during a Senate hearing. Over a two-hour testimony before the Senate's culture commission, Des Cars addressed questions about security failures and the ongoing investigation to track the burglars and recover the stolen treasures.

Des Cars candidly acknowledged critical security shortcomings, particularly highlighting the inadequacy of the museum's external video surveillance system, which she described as "very insufficient." Despite these issues, she emphasized that the theft was not an unavoidable outcome and that there are no delays in implementing the museum's security improvement plans.

During the hearing, chaired by senator Laurent Lafon, Des Cars, accompanied by senior museum officials, defended her management approach and outlined her proposed renovations designed to enhance security. She also revealed that she had submitted her resignation to President Emmanuel Macron, a step he chose not to accept, signaling continued support despite the high-profile failure.

The theft has been described by Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau as both an economic and historic blow to the museum. The Louvre itself reopened just three days after the burglary, yet the stolen jewels remain missing, with investigators pursuing all possible leads, concerned that the precious items may be dismantled or trafficked illicitly.

Des Cars expressed the personal and institutional pain caused by the heist, referring to it as a "huge wound." She also stressed the importance of explaining the circumstances of the burglary and ensuring accountability to the Senate and the public. The hearing underscored urgent questions about safeguarding one of the world's most visited museums and preventing future breaches of its invaluable collections.