France’s Louvre Museum initiated a security assessment ten years ago, but the proposed enhancements are not anticipated to be finalized until 2032, according to a report from the state auditor released on Thursday, predating a significant heist that occurred last month. The brazen robbery, during which four thieves absconded with jewels valued at $143 million Cdn, cast doubt on the museum’s reputation as a custodian of its extensive collection. Authorities have acknowledged that the security measures were inadequate.
Although four suspects have been charged in connection with the heist, the stolen treasures have yet to be recovered. Details from the report, disclosed by the national audit office, Cour des Comptes, indicated that only 39% of the museum’s rooms were equipped with cameras as of 2024. A security review launched in 2015 identified deficiencies in monitoring and crisis readiness, but it only resulted in a security renovation tender at the close of last year.
The report highlighted that the museum’s failure to update its infrastructure was compounded by excessive spending on artwork, with only a quarter of it accessible to the public, as well as inefficiencies and ticket fraud. The report also criticized the lack of feasibility studies for the museum’s development projects announced this year, which neglected technical and financial considerations and staffing requirements.
Described as suffering from “chronic underinvestment” in security, the report suggested ten recommendations, including reducing acquisitions, raising ticket prices, and modernizing digital infrastructure and governance. The auditor stressed the necessity for the Louvre to enhance its internal control function, which is deemed underdeveloped given the institution’s scale.
Following the heist, Pierre Moscovici, the head of the audit office, emphasized that the theft underscored the inadequacy of the current security upgrade pace. Moscovici insisted that the Louvre possesses the necessary funds for the required improvements and urged prompt action. French officials announced plans to bolster security post-robbery, implementing additional measures like anti-intrusion devices and anti-vehicle ramming barriers near public roads by year-end.
In response to the audit report, Culture Minister Rachida Dati acknowledged the urgency of the technical work and advocated for swift corrective actions. Louvre director Laurence des Cars expressed support for most of the auditor’s recommendations, emphasizing the significance of the museum’s long-term transformation strategy to address its fundamental challenges.