Did the Louvre Director Acknowledge Security Lapses and Suggest New Safeguards?
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Synopsis
In a revealing address to the French Senate, Louvre Director Laurence des Cars admitted significant security flaws following a recent jewelry theft. Her proposed measures aim to fortify the museum's defenses, addressing vulnerabilities that have drawn public and governmental scrutiny.
Key Takeaways
- Louvre Director acknowledges security lapses.
- New measures proposed to enhance safety.
- Recent jewelry theft exposed vulnerabilities.
- Urgent action needed to restore public trust.
- Government support for security upgrades.
Paris, Oct 23 (NationPress) Louvre Museum Director Laurence des Cars has acknowledged shortcomings in the museum's external surveillance framework and has proposed a range of new security protocols.
During her testimony before the French Senate on Wednesday, des Cars highlighted that the museum's external CCTV coverage was inadequate and that last week's jewelry heist revealed numerous "vulnerabilities".
"We are confronting a significant failure at the Louvre, for which I assume part of the responsibility," she stated, adding that she had tendered her resignation, which was declined by French Culture Minister Rachida Dati.
Des Cars put forth various measures aimed at bolstering security, including enhancing perimeter defenses with anti-vehicle barriers, broadening and upgrading surveillance systems throughout the museum complex, and petitioning the Interior Ministry to establish a police station within the museum, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
In the meantime, she defended the museum's existing €80 million ($92.89 million) security initiative, rejecting a recent report that indicated "ongoing delays" in the plan's execution.
French President Emmanuel Macron urged for a swift acceleration of the Louvre's security improvements during Wednesday's Cabinet meeting.
The museum reopened its doors to the public on Wednesday morning, just three days after a dramatic jewelry theft estimated at around €88 million ($102 million).
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez disclosed on Monday that the museum's alarm was activated when the window of the Apollo Gallery was compromised.
Police arrived on the scene within two to three minutes after being alerted by a witness, he shared with a television network.
Officials reported that the heist took less than eight minutes in total, including under four minutes inside the Louvre.
Nunez refrained from providing specifics about the video surveillance cameras that may have captured the thieves in and around the museum, pending a police investigation.
"There are cameras throughout the Louvre," he mentioned.
The theft on Sunday targeted the gilded Apollo Gallery, home to the Crown Diamonds.
Alarms summoned Louvre agents to the area, compelling the intruders to flee, but the theft had already been executed.
According to officials, eight items were stolen: a sapphire diadem, necklace and single earring from a matching set associated with 19th-century French queens Marie-Amelie and Hortense; an emerald necklace and earrings from the matching set of Empress Marie-Louise, Napoleon Bonaparte's second wife; a reliquary brooch; and Empress Eugenie's diadem along with her large corsage-bow brooch, a coveted 19th-century imperial ensemble.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the gravity of security failures at the Louvre. The museum, a symbol of cultural heritage, must address vulnerabilities swiftly to restore public trust and ensure the safety of its priceless collections. The measures proposed by Director des Cars are a step in the right direction, highlighting the need for accountability and reform.
NationPress
23/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What security failures were admitted by the Louvre Director?
Louvre Director Laurence des Cars admitted that the museum's external surveillance system was inadequate and highlighted vulnerabilities exposed by a recent jewelry theft.
What measures are being implemented to enhance Louvre's security?
Measures include reinforcing perimeter protection with anti-vehicle barriers, expanding surveillance systems, and requesting a police station within the museum.
How much is the Louvre's existing security plan worth?
The Louvre's current security plan is valued at €80 million ($92.89 million).
What items were stolen during the heist?
Eight items were stolen, including a sapphire diadem and an emerald necklace belonging to 19th-century French royalty.
How quickly did police respond to the theft?
Police arrived on the scene within two to three minutes of being alerted by a witness.
