Audit Reveals Years-Long Security Gaps
A damning new report from France’s top auditing body reveals that the Louvre Museum’s security modernization plan has faced repeated delays since 2018 and will not be fully implemented until 2032. The findings, released days after a daring October heist saw thieves make off with Napoleon’s diamond diadem and other priceless Crown Jewels, underscore urgent gaps that auditors say should have been prioritized over big-ticket art acquisitions and visitor expansions.
Failure to Prioritize Safety Leaves Museum Vulnerable
The audit found that the world’s most-visited museum has spent twice as much on acquiring new works and sprucing up displays than on the critical maintenance and technical upgrades needed for fire, safety, and security. Since 2018, only a fraction of the estimated €83 million ($95 million) has actually gone toward fixing outdated systems, with technical upgrades pushed back year after year. The Cour des Comptes urged Louvre leaders to redirect funds from expansion to “essential projects such as safety, security and restoration.”
Heist Highlights Risks and Triggers New Plans
The October 19 robbery, which exploited a security flaw in the Apollo Gallery, led to the theft of jewels worth $102 million—none of which have been recovered. Four suspects are facing charges, but the stolen items are still missing. In response, Culture Minister Rachida Dati announced new anti-intrusion defenses and called the situation a “wake-up call,” while rejecting the museum chief’s resignation.
Looking Ahead: Modernization and Maintenance
Plans for renovating the Louvre—including a new gallery for the Mona Lisa—remain in flux as auditors warn against “chronic, structural underestimation” of theft risk. Officials say modernizing infrastructure and securing half a million square meters of historic space should now supersede expansion. Only then, auditors argue, can the Louvre ensure its treasures—and its visitors—are protected from future attacks.