Theft, Staff Strikes Force Resignation of Louvre Director

The director of the Louvre Museum, the world’s most visited museum resigned following months of turmoil marked by a high-profile theft and repeated staff strikes that disrupted operations and damaged the institution’s image.

French President Emmanuel Macron accepted the resignation of Laurence des Cars on Tuesday evening, according to a statement from the Élysée Palace. The presidency indicated that the Louvre requires “new momentum” to carry out major modernization and security upgrades.

Des Cars’ departure comes five months after a dramatic robbery that stunned France. In October, a group of amateur thieves reportedly used a vehicle equipped with a lifting platform to access an upper floor of the museum, breaking into the Apollo Gallery through a window.

The intruders smashed display cases and stole crowns and gem-encrusted jewels dating back to the era of Napoleon Bonaparte and the First French Empire. The stolen items were later valued at approximately €88 million.

The audacious nature of the heist raised serious concerns about the museum’s security infrastructure and intensified scrutiny of its management.

Beyond the theft, the Louvre has faced recurring strikes since mid-December, leading to four separate closures and estimated losses of around €2 million, according to French media reports.

Vincent Rondot, former head of the Egyptian antiquities department at the Louvre, said that while short strikes had occurred before, their increasing frequency in recent months harmed the visitor experience.

The museum employs roughly 2,000 staff, about half of whom are security personnel stationed in exhibition halls. As one of the most organized and influential labor groups within the institution, their participation in strikes can result in the closure of key galleries.

Security staff have long complained about understaffing and insufficient equipment. While some observers suggest these claims may be overstated, the October theft undeniably weakened Des Cars’ position.

Despite welcoming nearly 9 million visitors in 2025, the Louvre has faced financial strain. Ticket sales generated approximately €125 million in 2024, supplemented by around €100 million in annual state support, revenue from its partnership with the Louvre Abu Dhabi, and private patron donations.

However, the museum reported a deficit of €28.6 million in early 2025, driven largely by wage expenses totaling about €144 million and ongoing restoration and maintenance work.

Before leading the Louvre, Des Cars served as director of the Musée d'Orsay, located across the Seine from the Louvre. The position of Louvre president-director is one of France’s most prestigious cultural appointments and is selected directly by the president of the republic rather than the culture minister.