A parliamentary investigative commission examining the theft of crown jewels at the Paris Louvre has published a damning report. Experts accuse the museum's management of 'systematic failure' and lack of proper oversight of security procedures. Faced with mounting criticism, director Laurence des Cars offered her resignation, which was however rejected by Minister of Culture Rachida Dati. The commission formulated 24 recommendations aimed at repairing the dysfunctional security system of the world's most famous museum.

Systemic failure of the management

The investigative commission accuses the Louvre's management of losing control over security and creating a structure isolated from state oversight.

Corruption and staff errors

Nine people were detained for involvement in the practice of illegally bringing in tourists and guards accepting financial benefits.

New security requirements

The report proposes 24 changes, including entry for armed officers and intensive training for security agents.

The work of the parliamentary investigative commission sheds new light on the scandalous theft that shook France in October 2025. The commission's chairman, MP Alexandre Portier, did not spare harsh words for the authorities of the Louvre, describing the institution as a 'state within a state'. According to the investigators' findings, the theft of eight crown jewels was not an unfortunate coincidence, but a direct result of a chain of negligence and a flawed management model that had slipped from the control of the culture ministry. A security audit revealed glaring gaps in the museum's daily operations. Recently, there was not only a spectacular break-in, but also damage to a 19th-century fresco from a heating pipe leak near the Mona Lisa room. Moreover, the investigation revealed corruption among staff: nine suspects, including guides, allegedly regularly brought groups in using repeatedly used tickets, handing bribes to guards. In response to these revelations, the commission presented 24 recommendations, including a proposal for free entry for armed police officers and gendarmes, which is intended to raise the level of real security in the galleries. The Louvre, the former residence of French kings, houses collections of priceless value, including the French crown jewels, whose history dates back to the Capetian dynasty and has been repeatedly interrupted by thefts and confiscations during revolutionary periods. „The theft at the Louvre was not an accident; it exposes the systemic failure of the management and the lack of effective control over a key state institution.” — Alexandre PortierMinister of Culture Rachida Dati plans to provide explanations before the National Assembly next week. Although director Laurence des Cars remains in her position, experts indicate that it is necessary to restore the ministry's real oversight over the world's largest museum to prevent further destruction of national heritage and violation of state authority. Stolen jewels: 8, Detained suspects: 9, Commission recommendations: 24

Mentioned People

  • Alexandre Portier — MP for The Republicans party, chairman of the parliamentary investigative commission on museum security.
  • Laurence des Cars — Art historian, director of the Louvre since 2021, who offered her resignation following the commission's report.
  • Rachida Dati — French Minister of Culture, who rejected the Louvre director's resignation.