France’s Louvre Museum initiated a security evaluation ten years ago, with projected enhancements slated for completion by 2032, as disclosed in a report by the state auditor prior to a recent high-profile robbery. The heist, where thieves absconded with jewels valued at $143 million Cdn, cast doubt on the museum’s reputation as a custodian of its vast collection. Officials have acknowledged deficiencies in the museum’s security measures.
Although four suspects have been charged in connection with the robbery, the stolen treasures are still at large. The national audit office, Cour des Comptes, released excerpts from the report, indicating that only 39% of the museum’s rooms were equipped with cameras by 2024. A security audit commenced in 2015 highlighted inadequate monitoring and crisis readiness, resulting in a security upgrade tender only issued at the end of the past year.
The report underscored delays in infrastructure updates at the Louvre, exacerbated by excessive spending on artworks, a portion of which remains inaccessible to the public, as well as inefficiencies, ticket fraud, and post-pandemic initiatives. The report criticized the museum’s lack of feasibility studies for its recent development projects and failure to address staffing requirements.
Identified as suffering from “chronic underinvestment” in security, the report outlined ten recommendations, including reducing acquisitions, raising ticket prices, and enhancing digital infrastructure and governance at the museum. The auditor emphasized the need for bolstering internal control functions to align with the Louvre’s scale.
The auditors stressed that the recent theft emphasized the inadequacy of the museum’s pace in upgrading security measures. They confirmed that the Louvre has adequate funds for the necessary improvements and urged swift action. Following the robbery, plans were announced for additional security measures, such as anti-intrusion devices and barriers on public roads.
In response to the growing concerns over organization at the museum, France initiated a significant project in January, including a new area dedicated to Leonardo da Vinci’s iconic painting, the Mona Lisa, along with enhanced security protocols. In official statements, Culture Minister Rachida Dati and Louvre director Laurence des Cars acknowledged the urgency of technical enhancements and affirmed their commitment to implementing corrective actions.