The Louvre Museum in France initiated a security review ten years ago, but the suggested enhancements are not set to be finalized until 2032, as per a report by the state auditor released before a recent heist. The robbery, where thieves stole jewels valued at $143 million Cdn, cast doubt on the museum’s reputation as a protector of its vast collection. Authorities acknowledged that security measures were inadequate.
Although four suspects have been charged in connection with the heist, the stolen treasures have not been recovered. The national audit office, known as the Cour des Comptes, leaked excerpts from the report, revealing that only 39% of the museum’s rooms had surveillance cameras by 2024. Despite a security review that began in 2015 flagging inadequate monitoring and crisis readiness, a tender for security upgrades was only initiated at the end of last year.
According to the report, delays in infrastructure updates were worsened by excessive spending on artwork, with only a quarter displayed to the public, as well as inefficiencies, ticket fraud, and post-pandemic projects. The report criticized the museum’s lack of feasibility studies for development initiatives announced this year, highlighting shortcomings in both technical and financial aspects and overlooking staffing requirements.
The audit report outlined ten recommendations, including reducing acquisitions, increasing ticket prices, and overhauling digital infrastructure and governance. It emphasized the need for the Louvre to enhance its internal control function due to chronic underinvestment in information systems. The auditor emphasized the urgency of strengthening security measures, with the museum having the necessary funds to implement the upgrades promptly.
Following the heist, the Louvre announced plans to enhance security with additional measures like anti-intrusion devices and barriers against vehicle ramming on nearby roads by year-end. In response to concerns about museum management, France launched a major renovation project, including a dedicated space for Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and enhanced security measures. Culture Minister Rachida Dati and Louvre director Laurence des Cars echoed the importance of swift corrective actions and long-term transformation to address structural issues.
