Some four months after the spectactular break-in at the world famous Louvre museum in Paris, the museum’s director resigned on Tuesday.
Laurence des Cars offered her resignation to President Emmanuel Macron, who accepted it, a statement from the seat of the French presidency, the Élysée Palace in Paris, said. Macron thanked her for her commitment over the years.
Des Cars became Louvre director in 2021. Macron has now proposed entrusting her with a mission to promote cooperation between major museums as part of France’s current Group of Seven (G7) presidency.
The resignation comes at a time when the world’s most visited museum is grappling with major security and modernization challenges.
The spectacular heist took place in broad daylight on a Sunday morning. The jewellery stolen, with an estimated value of €88 million ($102 million), was of “invaluable cultural and historical significance” beyond its market value, the French ministries of culture and interior said at the time.
Louvre crises continued unabated
The heist was just one of many problems for des Cars. There have been negative headlines for months, most recently over suspicions of large-scale ticket fraud that had been going on for 10 years. Investigators arrested nine people and seized more than €1.4 million.
Apart from security issues, the museum endured several floods that reportedly damaged a ceiling painting and books.
And then there are labour problems: In December, there were partial work stoppages and a four-day complete closure. The employees are demanding more staff, better working conditions, an end to precarious contract work and outsourcing – and, last but not least, investment in the buildings and technical equipment.
But the jewellery theft was the hardest blow, which sparked a debate about the museum’s security.
Masked men parked a truck equipped with a lifting platform next to the museum. While two of the perpetrators waited on motor scooters on the street, the other two used the lifting platform to reach a first-floor balcony and from there entered the museum through a window, where they also threatened staff. The loot has not yet been found.
Director des Cars subsequently offered her resignation, but French Culture Minister Rachida Dati rejected it. However, following further crises, she announced that she would review the organization and governance of the Louvre.
