Laurence des Cars, director of the Louvre Museum, has resigned months after a $102 million daylight heist at the museum, which prompted a parliamentary inquiry.

French President Emmanuel Macron accepted her resignation, describing it as “an act of responsibility at a time when the world’s largest museum needs appeasement and a new strong impetus to carry out major security projects, modernisation and the ‘Louvre – New Renaissance’ project,” according to a statement on the Élysée Palace website. The statement thanked her for her service and said she will continue to play a role “within the framework of the French presidency of the G7 on cooperation between the major museums of the countries concerned.”

The heist

The robbery occurred shortly after the Louvre opened on 19 October 2025. Four suspects reportedly used a stolen vehicle-mounted lift, known in France as a monte-meubles, to access a balcony overlooking the River Seine and reach the Galerie d’Apollon, where the French Crown Jewels are displayed.

Two of the thieves cut through a first-floor window using power tools, threatened security staff, and smashed display cases. Police said the gang spent around four minutes inside before escaping on scooters. No injuries were reported.

During the escape, a 19th-century diamond-studded crown belonging to Empress Eugénie was dropped and later recovered with damage. The remaining eight pieces of jewellery, all from the 19th century and linked to French royalty, remain missing.

Stolen Items

Authorities report that the missing items include:

• An emerald necklace and matching earrings linked to Empress Marie-Louise
• A tiara and two brooches belonging to Empress Eugénie
• A sapphire tiara set associated with Queen Marie-Amélie and Queen Hortense
• A brooch known as the “reliquary brooch”

The stolen pieces are adorned with thousands of diamonds and other gemstones. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez initially described them as “priceless” and of immeasurable heritage value, with later estimates placing their market value at over $100 million.

Art recovery experts warn that such items are at high risk of being dismantled, with gemstones recut and metals melted down, complicating recovery efforts.

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Security failures

The theft has raised serious questions about the museum’s security. A preliminary parliamentary report cited “systemic failures” that enabled the raid. Des Cars acknowledged weaknesses in the surveillance systems, noting that the only camera covering the exterior wall used by the thieves was not aligned with the point of entry.

Culture Minister Rachida Dati confirmed that the museum’s alarms had sounded during the incident and staff followed protocol, but investigations into specific security shortcomings continue. Des Cars later told senators that the Louvre requires stronger perimeter protection, including a potential permanent police presence.

Arrests and investigation

French authorities have arrested multiple suspects in connection with the heist, with prosecutors investigating whether the robbery was orchestrated by an organised criminal network. Around 60 investigators remain involved, analysing CCTV footage and tracking the escape routes of those involved.

The Louvre, the world’s most visited museum, welcomed 8.7 million visitors in 2024, with US tourists accounting for 13 per cent of the total. In recent years, the institution has faced operational pressures, including strikes over overcrowding and staffing shortages, as well as separate investigations into ticket fraud and a water leak.

The museum has a history of high-profile thefts, most notably the 1911 theft of the Mona Lisa, recovered two years later, and the 1976 theft of King Charles X’s sword, which involved a metal scaffold.

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President Macron described the raid as “an attack on our history.” Politicians across the spectrum condemned the theft. Right-wing figures, including National Rally leader Jordan Bardella and former party leader Marine Le Pen, characterised the robbery as a humiliation and a symbolic wound to France’s national heritage.

Des Cars’ Legacy and Next Steps

Laurence des Cars, appointed in September 2021 as the first woman to lead the Louvre in its 230-year history, initially offered her resignation immediately after the robbery, but at the time it was declined by the Culture Minister.

The Élysée Palace confirmed that Des Cars will continue to contribute to France’s forthcoming G7 presidency, focusing on cooperation between leading international museums. Her resignation is also intended to allow the Louvre to pursue security upgrades and implement the “Louvre – New Renaissance” modernisation project, which includes reinforced surveillance and renovations of key exhibition halls.

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