Louvre in spotlight after a high-profile jewel heist and ongoing security/funding turmoil; Christophe Leribault just took over as director amid the crisis.
On February 25, 2026, Christophe Leribault was appointed director of the Louvre, succeeding Laurence des Cars who resigned amid crises including a $102 million crown jewels heist, labor strikes, water damage, and a decade-long ticket fraud scandal. Leribault faces the challenge of restoring security and advancing President Macron's costly Louvre modernization plan.
On February 25, 2026, Christophe Leribault was appointed director of the Louvre following Laurence des Cars' resignation amid fallout from an October crown jewels heist, infrastructure issues, labor unrest, and a ticket fraud scandal. Leribault faces the challenge of restoring security and advancing President Macron's $1.35 billion Louvre renovation plan before Macron's term ends next year.
France has approved a new law allowing the faster return of colonial-era artifacts. The legislation removes previous procedural hurdles, enabling negotiations between museums and countries of origin. The reform aims to address longstanding demands from African nations and reshape France's cultural diplomacy, with the process now more streamlined and open to claims based on provenance.