The Louvre Museum in France initiated a security assessment ten years ago, but the proposed enhancements are not scheduled for completion until 2032, as per a report from the state auditor released before a significant robbery occurred recently. The heist, where four individuals stole jewels valued at $143 million Cdn during daylight, raised concerns about the museum’s ability to safeguard its extensive collection. Officials acknowledged shortcomings in the museum’s security measures.
Although four suspects have been charged in connection with the robbery, the stolen treasures have not been recovered yet. Details from the report, disclosed by the national audit office Cour des Comptes, had surfaced in the media shortly after the incident. The report revealed that only 39% of the museum’s rooms had surveillance cameras by 2024. Despite a security evaluation in 2015 highlighting inadequacies in monitoring and crisis readiness, actual security upgrades were only set in motion at the end of last year through a security works tender.
According to the report, the museum’s infrastructure update delays were compounded by excessive spending on artwork acquisitions, with only a quarter of the acquired pieces displayed publicly, alongside post-pandemic revival projects, inefficiencies, and ticket fraud. The report criticized the lack of feasibility studies for the museum’s announced development initiatives this year, both technically and financially, neglecting staffing requirements.
The audit suggested ten recommendations, including reducing acquisitions, raising ticket prices, and enhancing digital infrastructure and governance. Addressing the chronic underinvestment in information systems, the auditor emphasized the need for the Louvre to bolster its internal control function given the institution’s size.
Following the robbery, the Louvre announced plans to bolster security with additional measures like anti-intrusion devices and anti-vehicle barriers on nearby roads by year-end. In response to the audit, Culture Minister Rachida Dati stressed the urgency of technical improvements and the need for prompt corrective actions. Louvre director Laurence des Cars supported most of the auditor’s suggestions but underscored the importance of the museum’s long-term transformation strategy to tackle structural challenges.
The theft underscored the urgency for security upgrades, with the auditor, Pierre Moscovici, noting the necessity for swift action by the authorities. Moscovici confirmed that the Louvre has ample funds for the necessary enhancements and urged the museum to implement the upgrades promptly.
