Louvre Faces Backlash After Heist: Focus on Art Over Security

Thu Nov 06 2025 19:31:46 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A new report reveals the Louvre prioritized art acquisition over security measures, contributing to a recent heist that resulted in the theft of €88 million in jewels.

Following a significant jewelry theft, a critical report by France's Court of Auditors has exposed the Louvre Museum's neglect of security in favor of acquiring new art. The museum spent heavily on exhibitions, but little on maintenance and safety upgrades, a decision that has drawn sharp criticism from officials and experts alike, suggesting a re-evaluation of priorities is needed to ensure the safety of priceless artifacts.

Three weeks after the spectacular jewel theft at the Louvre, the museum has been heavily criticised for neglecting security.

The Court of Auditors report, drawn up before the heist, found that for years managers had preferred to invest in new artworks and exhibitions rather than basic upkeep and protection.

Let no-one be mistaken: the theft of the crown jewels is a resounding wake-up call, said the court's president, Pierre Moscovici.

In broad daylight on Sunday 19 October, thieves broke into the Louvre's first-floor Apollo Gallery. Using a angle-grinder to open display cases, the gang made off with €88m (£78m) of jewels that once belonged to 19th-Century queens and empresses.

Basing its findings on the years 2018 to 2024, the report says the Louvre favoured operations that were visible and attractive at the expense of maintenance and renovation of technical installations, notably in the fields of safety and security.

In the period studied, it found the museum spent €105.4m on buying new artworks and €63.5m on exhibition spaces.

However, at the same time it spent only €26.7m on maintenance works and €59.5m on restoration of the palace building.

The findings align with criticisms from Culture Minister Rachida Dati who said managers had grossly underestimated the dangers of intrusion into the museum.

One of France's leading art experts, Didier Rykner, expressed that the museum prioritized spending on eye-catching initiatives over the basic protection of its existing treasures.

A significant fallout of this security lapse could be the delay of the Louvre's ambitious New Renaissance project, which aims to expand exhibition spaces, including a new gallery for the Mona Lisa.

The projected cost for this initiative may exceed the original estimates, soaring to €1.15bn compared to the previously announced €700m.

In its response, the Louvre accepted most of the court's recommendations but defended its recent security measures, suggesting the audit did not capture all steps taken to protect the museum.

As investigations continue into the heist, the Louvre faces urgent calls to reassess its approach to safeguarding its invaluable collections.