What's happened
The Louvre faces structural issues following a recent jewel heist and ongoing renovations. A technical report revealed fragile beams in the Sully wing, prompting closures and staff relocations. The museum is under scrutiny for security lapses, with criticism mounting over its preparedness for such incidents. The situation remains tense as investigations continue.
What's behind the headline?
The Louvre's recent structural issues expose deeper vulnerabilities in its infrastructure, which have been overlooked amid ambitious renovation plans. The timing suggests that the security lapses and building deterioration are interconnected, with the structural fragility possibly contributing to the ease of the recent theft. The museum's focus on modernization may have diverted attention from essential maintenance, creating a perfect storm of risk. Moving forward, the Louvre must prioritize infrastructure safety and security reforms to restore public confidence. The criticism of management, especially under the leadership of Laurence des Cars, will likely intensify, and the museum's reputation hinges on transparent, effective responses to these crises. The ongoing investigations and structural assessments will determine whether the museum can recover from this double blow of theft and infrastructure failure.
What the papers say
The New York Times reports that the Louvre's first female president, Laurence des Cars, is under pressure after the heist and structural concerns, with some critics calling for her resignation. Sky News highlights the specific structural weaknesses in the Sully wing, linked to the recent closures and staff relocations, emphasizing the deteriorating condition of the museum's infrastructure. The Independent and AP News detail the technical findings of fragile beams and the museum's response, including the closure of the Campana Gallery and precautionary measures. France 24 notes that these issues are separate from, but compounded by, the recent jewel theft, which has intensified scrutiny over security lapses. Overall, the coverage underscores a broader crisis of infrastructure and security management at the Louvre, with critics questioning whether the renovation priorities have compromised safety.
How we got here
The Louvre announced extensive renovations earlier this year, including plans to modernize the Sully wing and enhance visitor experience. The museum has faced longstanding criticism over security and infrastructure, which was highlighted by a recent jewel heist worth over $100 million. Structural assessments revealed unforeseen fragility, prompting immediate closures and safety measures.
Go deeper
- What are the specific structural problems identified?
- How is the Louvre addressing security lapses?
- What are the next steps for the museum's renovation plans?
Common question
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Are Structural Issues at Museums Common?
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Why Did the Louvre Close Parts of Its Museum Now?
The Louvre has recently closed sections of its museum following a technical report revealing structural issues. This decision comes amid ongoing renovations and heightened security concerns after a high-profile jewel heist. Many wonder what prompted these closures and what it means for visitors and preservation efforts. Below, we explore the reasons behind the Louvre's latest move and what it signals for the future of this iconic institution.
More on these topics
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The Louvre, or the Louvre Museum (French: Musée du Louvre [myze dy luvʁ] ), is a national art museum in Paris, France, and the most visited museum in the world. It is located on the Right Bank of the Seine in the city's 1st arrondissement (district) and
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Paris is the capital and most populous city of France, with an estimated population of 2,150,271 residents as of 2020, in an area of 105 square kilometres.
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Laurence des Cars is a French general curator of heritage and art historian, current director at the Musée d'Orsay and Musée de l'Orangerie. She has been appointed to assume the role of Director of the Louvre Museum from 1 September 2021.
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Emmanuel Jean-Michel Frédéric Macron is a French politician who has been President of France and ex officio Co-Prince of Andorra since 14 May 2017.