What's happened
On February 24, 2026, Laurence des Cars resigned as Louvre director following a $102 million jewel heist, ongoing strikes, and security failures. President Macron accepted her resignation, citing the need for stability and renewed leadership to advance major security and modernization projects at the world’s largest museum.
What's behind the headline?
Security Failures and Leadership Accountability
The resignation of Laurence des Cars underscores the severe operational and security challenges facing the Louvre. The October 2025 jewel heist, executed in under eight minutes, revealed critical vulnerabilities in museum security, exacerbated by understaffing and crowding. This event, coupled with labor unrest and infrastructure issues, has eroded public trust and institutional stability.
Political and Cultural Stakes
President Macron’s acceptance of des Cars’s resignation signals a strategic move to restore confidence and ensure the continuation of the “New Renaissance” project, which is central to his cultural legacy. The project’s future is uncertain, as it faces criticism over costs and proposed changes to the museum’s layout.
Broader Implications
The Louvre’s troubles highlight systemic issues in managing world-class cultural institutions amid modern security threats and labor challenges. The ongoing ticket fraud investigation further complicates the museum’s reputation and financial integrity.
Forecast
The appointment of new leadership will likely prioritize enhanced security measures and operational reforms. The museum must balance modernization with safeguarding priceless assets and improving working conditions to prevent further disruptions. This crisis will prompt broader discussions on funding priorities and institutional governance in cultural heritage management.
What the papers say
The New York Times’ Mark Landler details how des Cars’ resignation, accepted by President Macron, comes just before her scheduled parliamentary testimony on the jewel theft, emphasizing the political sensitivity of the event and the uncertain future of the “New Renaissance” project. The NY Post highlights the criticism des Cars faced over security lapses and strikes, noting the museum’s low spending on security despite lavish art acquisitions. Dominique Vidalon in The Independent provides a comprehensive account of the jewel heist’s execution, the strikes, water damage, and the decade-long ticket fraud scandal, illustrating the multifaceted crises undermining the Louvre. France 24 and AP News focus on Macron praising des Cars’ resignation as responsible, underscoring the need for calm and strong leadership to advance security and modernization. Reuters echoes these points, emphasizing the museum’s turmoil since the robbery. Together, these sources paint a picture of a prestigious institution grappling with operational failures and leadership change amid high public and political stakes.
How we got here
Laurence des Cars was appointed Louvre director in 2021 to lead the ambitious “New Renaissance” refurbishment. Since October 2025, the museum has faced a high-profile jewel theft, labor strikes, water damage incidents, and a ticket fraud scandal, exposing security and operational weaknesses.
Go deeper
- What security changes will the Louvre implement after the heist?
- How will the 'New Renaissance' project be affected by this leadership change?
- What is the status of the jewel theft investigation?
Common question
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What’s behind the Louvre’s recent scandal and what does it mean for art security?
The Louvre Museum has recently been rocked by a high-profile jewel heist and ongoing security issues, leading to the resignation of its director. This incident raises important questions about how major museums protect priceless artworks and what lessons can be learned from this crisis. Below, we explore the reasons behind the scandal, the security failures involved, and what measures are being taken to prevent future thefts.
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Do museum scandals like the Louvre theft affect visitor numbers?
High-profile museum scandals, such as the recent Louvre jewel heist and ongoing security issues, often raise questions about their impact on tourism and public trust. People wonder if these incidents deter visitors or if museums can recover quickly. Below, we explore common questions about how scandals influence cultural institutions and what visitors can expect moving forward.
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What Can Museums Learn from the Louvre Jewel Heist About Art Security?
Recent high-profile thefts at major museums like the Louvre have raised urgent questions about art security. How are these institutions responding? What lessons can be learned to better protect priceless artworks? In this page, we explore the security challenges faced by museums today and how technology and policy changes are shaping the future of art protection.
More on these topics
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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.
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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.
The Louvre, a former royal palace, is known for its collection of celebrated paintings collected by the French kings, including The..