France’s Louvre Museum initiated a security assessment ten years ago, but the suggested improvements are not anticipated to be finished until 2032, as per a report from the state auditor published on Thursday prior to a recent high-profile heist. The robbery, where four culprits stole jewels valued at $143 million Cdn, cast doubts on the museum’s reputation as a custodian of its vast collection. Authorities have acknowledged that the security measures were inadequate.
Although four suspects have been charged in connection to the heist, the stolen treasures have yet to be recovered. Only 39% of the museum’s rooms had surveillance cameras by 2024, with a security review that commenced in 2015 highlighting the museum’s lack of adequate monitoring and crisis readiness, leading to a security upgrade tender issued only at the end of the previous year.
The report indicated that delays in infrastructure updates were compounded by excessive spending on artwork, a quarter of which is not displayed to the public, as well as inefficiencies, ticket fraud, and post-pandemic projects. The museum’s development plans announced this year were criticized for not being supported by feasibility studies, both technical and financial, and for neglecting staff requirements.
Described as a “chronic underinvestment” in security, the report outlined ten recommendations, including reducing the number of acquisitions, raising ticket prices, and enhancing digital infrastructure and governance. The auditor emphasized the necessity for the museum to bolster its internal control function given the ongoing inadequate investment in information systems.
The theft further emphasizes the concerns raised in the report, according to Pierre Moscovici, the head of the auditor, who highlighted the urgency for security upgrades. He mentioned that the Louvre has adequate funding for the necessary enhancements and must proceed promptly.
Following the robbery, French officials pledged to implement additional security measures, such as anti-intrusion devices and barriers against vehicle attacks on adjacent public roads by year-end. In response to mounting criticisms about operational disarray, France unveiled an ambitious project in January, including a new section dedicated to Leonardo da Vinci’s renowned painting, the Mona Lisa, alongside heightened security measures for visitors and valuable exhibits at the museum.
In a statement released by the audit office, Culture Minister Rachida Dati stressed the importance of swift corrective actions in response to the audit findings. Louvre director Laurence des Cars expressed support for most of the auditor’s recommendations while advocating for the implementation of a comprehensive long-term transformation plan to tackle the museum’s structural issues.