Story perspectives

Louvre Director Resigns After $102M Heist and Fraud Scandal

2/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

Laurence des Cars, director of the Louvre Museum, resigned on February 24, 2026, after the October 2025 jewel heist that stole $102 million.
President Emmanuel Macron accepted her resignation.
Des Cars had acknowledged the Louvre's outdated security infrastructure.
The Louvre has faced strikes over staffing and working conditions.
Nine individuals, including two tour guides, are charged in a ticket fraud scheme that cost the Louvre over $11.8 million.

History

Historical Context

The Louvre experienced its first art theft since 1998 on October 19, 2025, when thieves disguised as construction workers stole eight pieces of the French Crown Jewels valued at approximately €102 million. This incident highlighted ongoing security issues, echoing past concerns raised by museum directors about inadequate surveillance and staffing, prompting calls for significant reforms in cultural institution security and management practices.

1 of 2

Story summary

Laurence des Cars, director of the Louvre Museum, resigned on February 24, 2026, after the October 2025 jewel heist that stole $102 million.
President Emmanuel Macron accepted her resignation.
Des Cars had acknowledged the Louvre's outdated security infrastructure.
The Louvre has faced strikes over staffing and working conditions.
Nine individuals, including two tour guides, are charged in a ticket fraud scheme that cost the Louvre over $11.8 million.

1 / 2