Louvre Chief Quits as Museum Faces Security and Fraud Scrutiny

The director of the Louvre has stepped down following months of scrutiny triggered by a series of crises at the world’s most visited museum.

Laurence des Cars resigned after pressure intensified over the October theft of French crown jewels valued at roughly €88 million, a daylight heist that exposed security vulnerabilities and shocked France’s cultural sector.

While several suspects were arrested, the stolen pieces remain missing, keeping the incident at the center of political and institutional debate.

The resignation comes amid broader challenges facing the Paris landmark. Authorities recently disclosed a suspected ticket fraud scheme that investigators believe may have cost the museum about €10 million over a decade, expanding scrutiny beyond the robbery to daily operational controls.

At the same time, staff unrest and strikes have highlighted concerns over overcrowding, understaffing and aging infrastructure strained by mass tourism.

French officials described the leadership change as an opportunity to reset as the museum prepares major reforms.

The Louvre is moving forward with a large modernization plan — often referred to as the “New Renaissance” — aimed at improving visitor flow, strengthening security and upgrading facilities.