France’s court of auditors has urged the Louvre Museum to fast-track its security modernization plans, highlighting significant delays in upgrading safety systems before last month’s $102-million crown jewels heist.
Thursday’s report by the Cour des Comptes covers 2018–2024 and criticized the museum for prioritizing “visible and attractive” investments, such as acquiring new artworks and enhancing visitor experience, over building maintenance and technical upgrades, particularly in security.
“The theft of the crown jewels is undoubtedly a deafening alarm bell,” said Pierre Moscovici, head of the court of auditors. The report noted that plans to modernize security, first proposed in 2018, were repeatedly postponed, with actual technical work only scheduled to begin next year and completion planned by 2032.
The audit estimates the total cost of security upgrades at 83 million euros ($95 million), but only 3 million euros were invested between 2018 and 2024. Moscovici stressed that improved security could be achieved without increasing staff numbers, adding that outdated systems—not understaffing—enabled the October 19 heist, in which thieves used a basket lift to reach the Apollo Gallery.
The Louvre, in response, said it regretted the report did not consider disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2024 Paris Olympics, which affected operational decisions. The museum confirmed it supports most of the auditors’ recommendations and noted that security improvements were already scheduled to start weeks after the theft.
Under the decade-long “Louvre New Renaissance” plan, the museum aims to modernize infrastructure, reduce crowding, and create a dedicated gallery for the Mona Lisa by 2031, at an estimated cost of 800 million euros ($933 million).
Following the heist, Culture Minister Rachida Dati announced immediate measures, including streetside anti-ramming and anti-intrusion devices, citing “security gaps” and structural underestimation of theft risks. Four suspects linked to the heist were recently arrested, though the stolen jewels have not yet been recovered.