Louvre Director Resigns Amid Theft, Scandal & Museum Crisis
- Paris, France – February 24, 2026 – Laurence des Cars resigned on Tuesday as director of the Louvre Museum, bringing an end to months of scrutiny surrounding the...
- French President Emmanuel Macron accepted des Cars’ resignation, describing it as “an act of responsibility” at a critical juncture for the world’s largest museum.
- The resignation follows a tumultuous period for the Louvre, beginning with the brazen robbery in October 2025, in which four burglars made off with jewels valued at approximately...
Louvre Director Resigns Amid Heist and Fraud Allegations
Paris, France – – Laurence des Cars resigned on Tuesday as director of the Louvre Museum, bringing an end to months of scrutiny surrounding the institution following a high-profile jewel heist and the emergence of a suspected decade-long ticket fraud scheme.
French President Emmanuel Macron accepted des Cars’ resignation, describing it as “an act of responsibility” at a critical juncture for the world’s largest museum. Macron’s office stated the Louvre requires “calm” and “a strong new impetus” to successfully navigate major projects focused on security and modernization.
The resignation follows a tumultuous period for the Louvre, beginning with the brazen robbery in October , in which four burglars made off with jewels valued at approximately €87 million (about $140 million Cdn) in just eight minutes. Des Cars acknowledged the “terrible failure” in testimony before a French legislative committee shortly after the incident, and initially offered to resign, but her offer was declined by France’s culture minister at the time.
However, the situation deteriorated in recent weeks with the revelation of a suspected ticket fraud scheme potentially costing the museum €10 million (US$11.8 million). Investigators believe the fraudulent activity spanned ten years and occurred while under the museum’s oversight.
Adding to the Louvre’s challenges, museum staff have been conducting rolling strikes since December, voicing concerns over layoffs, pay, and working conditions. The museum has also faced issues including water leaks that damaged priceless books.
Macron intends to assign des Cars a new role during France’s presidency of the Group of Seven leading industrialised nations. This new mission will focus on fostering cooperation among major museums internationally, according to the statement released by his office.
The Louvre’s troubles have prompted a wider narrative of an institution struggling with internal issues and external pressures. The jewel heist, the alleged fraud, and the ongoing labor disputes have all contributed to a sense of crisis within the museum walls.