Louvre Museum: New President Appointed After Resignation & Jewelry Theft
Paris, France – Christophe Leribault has been appointed the new president of the Louvre Museum, , following the resignation of Laurence des Cars amid ongoing scrutiny over security failings and internal strife at the world’s most visited museum. The appointment, confirmed by the Council of Ministers, comes less than three months after a significant theft of crown jewels in .
Leribault, currently president of the Palace of Versailles, is no stranger to navigating institutional challenges. He was appointed to head Versailles in , stepping in after concerns were raised about the prolonged interim leadership of Catherine Pégard. His appointment to the Louvre, first reported by Le Parisien, signals a move by President Emmanuel Macron to address a series of crises that have plagued the museum in recent months.
The heist, involving a substantial quantity of jewellery valued at approximately $100 million, triggered a wave of criticism regarding the Louvre’s security protocols. Des Cars tendered her resignation to Macron on , a decision that was accepted. The theft remains under investigation.
Beyond the high-profile robbery, the Louvre has faced a litany of issues, including repeated strikes by staff, a ticket fraud scandal, water damage, and broader concerns about structural maintenance and overall security. The museum has been forced to close its doors on four occasions since mid- due to industrial action, resulting in approximately 2 million euros in lost revenue.
Leribault, , is an art historian specializing in 18th-century art, with a particular focus on the painter Jean-François de Troy. His career within French cultural institutions spans decades. He previously held the position of curator in the Louvre’s Department of Graphic Arts in , and also served as director of the Eugène-Delacroix National Museum and the Petit Palais, City of Paris Museum of Fine Arts.
At the Petit Palais, Leribault gained a reputation for innovative and unconventional exhibitions that significantly boosted visitor numbers during his nine-year tenure. He then moved to the Musée d’Orsay in , succeeding des Cars in that role as well. His appointment to the Louvre marks a return to a familiar institution, having initially applied for the position in .
Government spokesperson Maud Bregeon stated that Leribault’s mandate will include leading “major projects for the institution’s future,” with a specific emphasis on enhancing security and implementing modernization efforts. The culture ministry added that he will also be tasked with “restoring a climate of trust” within the museum and among the public.
Leribault’s career began at the Musée Carnavalet in Paris in , where he was responsible for paintings and drawings for fifteen years, with a brief residency at the Villa Médicis in Rome from . His extensive experience across various French museums positions him as a seasoned administrator capable of addressing the multifaceted challenges facing the Louvre.
The appointment of Leribault underscores the French government’s commitment to stabilizing the Louvre following a period of considerable turbulence. The museum, a symbol of French culture and a major international tourist destination, faces the dual challenge of safeguarding its vast collection and regaining public confidence in its security measures. Leribault’s track record suggests a focus on both preservation and public engagement, qualities that will be crucial as he navigates the complexities of leading one of the world’s most iconic institutions.
Des Cars, the first woman to lead the Louvre, was appointed in and had faced increasing pressure since the robbery. Her resignation highlights the intense scrutiny faced by cultural leaders in the wake of security breaches and the growing demands for accountability within major institutions.