The director of the Louvre Museum has resigned months after a spectacular robbery at the Paris landmark that saw crown jewels worth an estimated €88 million ($100 million) stolen in what has been dubbed the “heist of the century.”
French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed that he had accepted the resignation of Laurence des Cars, saying her departure was a responsible decision at a moment when the world’s most visited museum needs stability and renewed leadership.
Des Cars had reportedly offered to step aside shortly after the theft from the Louvre’s Apollo Gallery, but her resignation was initially rejected by Culture Minister Rachida Dati. The robbery later intensified scrutiny of the museum’s security arrangements.
Following the incident, des Cars acknowledged significant weaknesses in the Louvre’s security systems, describing parts of the monitoring infrastructure as outdated and, in some areas, almost non-existent. The admission raised concerns about how some of France’s most treasured artifacts were being protected.
Despite the scandal, the French presidency praised des Cars for her years of service and leadership. Macron has reportedly assigned her a new role connected to France’s upcoming G7 presidency, where she will focus on strengthening cooperation among major museums in participating countries.
The high-profile theft compounded an already difficult period for the Louvre, which also faced staff strikes last year over overcrowding, understaffing, and deteriorating working conditions.
Des Cars took office in September 2021, becoming the first woman to lead the Louvre in its more than 230-year history. The museum welcomed 8.7 million visitors in 2024, with tourists from the United States forming its second-largest group after French visitors.
Her departure now marks the beginning of a new chapter for the iconic institution as it works to restore confidence and overhaul its security and operations.
