Louvre to Implement Enhanced Anti-Intrusion Security Measures by Year-End Following Burglary

Following a high-profile burglary at the Louvre Museum on October 19, 2025, in which eight pieces of jewelry were stolen, French Culture Minister Rachida Dati announced significant security upgrades set to be implemented before the end of the year. An administrative investigation revealed a chronic underestimation of theft and intrusion risks at the museum, highlighting major security lapses and governance shortcomings. Dati emphasized the necessity of urgent action, including mandatory training for museum security personnel and a comprehensive security risk audit to be completed by the end of 2025.

The burglars gained access through a freight elevator, exploiting what has been described as a major security breach. The museum was promptly closed for security reasons afterward. Responding to this, Dati announced the installation of advanced anti-intrusion devices, including systems designed to prevent vehicle-ramming attacks, addressing a significant vulnerability at the museum's perimeter.

The investigation's preliminary report identified four key issues: a structural undervaluation of theft and intrusion risks over more than two decades, inadequate security resource allocation, and governance structures that failed to prioritize these risks. In light of these findings, Dati has convened an emergency meeting of the Louvre’s board to scrutinize and overhaul its governance and organizational policies concerning security.

This incident is part of a troubling pattern of high-profile thefts in France, exemplified by a recent €12 million robbery at a gold refining laboratory in Lyon involving explosives and military-grade weaponry, which has further intensified calls for enhanced security at cultural and industrial sites. The Paris police prefect criticized the Louvre for insufficient surveillance coverage, underscoring the urgency for reform.

Dati’s commitment includes systemic measures that aim to close security gaps and restore public confidence in the protection of France’s cultural heritage housed at the Louvre.