The head of the Louvre Museum admitted to a significant lapse in security following a daring theft of precious jewels in broad daylight at the renowned Paris institution. Despite offering her resignation, the director was not permitted to step down. The museum, home to iconic treasures such as the Venus de Milo and the Winged Victory of Samothrace, welcomed back visitors after the high-profile heist that exposed vulnerabilities in the museum’s security infrastructure.
During a testimony to a French Senate committee, Laurence des Cars, the Louvre director, highlighted critical security shortcomings, including a lack of surveillance cameras outside the premises. The theft of eight valuable pieces from France’s crown jewels has left a stain on the nation’s reputation, drawing comparisons to the destruction of Notre-Dame Cathedral in 2019.
The incident, which occurred near the Mona Lisa, has cast a spotlight on President Emmanuel Macron, des Cars, and others, raising concerns over security protocols and staffing issues. The thieves managed to evade detection, carrying out the heist swiftly before fleeing on motorcycles through Paris. The museum, now under increased scrutiny, has not disclosed any enhanced security measures following the theft.
Authorities confirmed that the stolen artifacts, including items linked to historic figures such as Napoleon Bonaparte and Empress Eugénie, have a substantial historical and cultural significance. The estimated value of the stolen pieces is around €88 million, with fears that the thieves may attempt to dismantle the jewels for profit, potentially erasing centuries of heritage.
The Louvre’s security measures have faced criticism, with calls for improved protection and staffing levels to prevent future incidents. Despite recent upgrades announced by Macron, concerns persist over the museum’s ability to safeguard its priceless collections. The ongoing investigation involves identifying suspects and accomplices involved in the brazen heist, as efforts continue to recover the stolen treasures.