After months of scandal and scrutiny, the Louvre is preparing for new leadership as France moves to restore confidence in its most visited museum, as the museum president resigns.
Issued on: 25/02/2026 - RFI
France's President Emmanuel Macron talks to Director of the Louvre Museum, Laurence des Cars, at the museum in Paris on 28 January 2025. Des Cars resigned from her position on Tuesday, 24 January 2026 in the wake of a high profile jewellry heist in late 2025. AFP - BERTRAND GUAY
France’s world famous Louvre museum is poised for a leadership shake-up after the resignation of its president Laurence des Cars on Tuesday, with a new chief expected to be appointed swiftly, in a bid to restore confidence following months of turbulence.
Christophe Leribault – the current head of the Palace of Versailles – is widely expected to take over the role, according to a source within the French executive.
His appointment is due to be announced by the Council of Ministers, with a mandate focused on securing and modernising the institution, as well as delivering the ambitious “Louvre – New Renaissance” overhaul.
The move comes at a delicate moment for the world’s most visited museum, which has been grappling with a string of high-profile incidents that have exposed weaknesses but also prompted renewed momentum for reform.
Months of pressure
Des Cars formally stepped down after submitting her resignation to President Emmanuel Macron, who accepted it while praising what he described as a responsible decision at a time when the museum needs “calm” and a fresh push to carry out major security projects.
Her departure follows sustained pressure linked to an audacious October robbery in which French crown jewels worth around €88 million were stolen in broad daylight. The jewels have yet to be recovered, although four suspects remain in custody and investigations are ongoing.
Initially, Macron had declined an earlier offer by des Cars to resign shortly after the break-in. But as further issues emerged – including reports of systemic security failings, a ticket fraud scandal, and even a water leak in a gallery housing the Mona Lisa – the pressure became harder to withstand.
Parliamentary inquiries and audits have painted a sobering picture. Lawmakers have pointed to “systemic failures” after dozens of hearings, while France’s Court of Auditors criticised the museum for prioritising high-profile projects over essential security investment, despite earlier warnings dating back to 2017.
Des Cars herself acknowledged shortcomings in later interviews, conceding that structural weaknesses had remained and that concerns were justified. Even so, Macron thanked her for her commitment and recognised her expertise, underlining that her tenure was not without achievement.
Rebuilding confidence
Attention is now turning to what comes next – and to the challenge awaiting Leribault, should his appointment be confirmed. His mission is expected to centre on restoring trust, strengthening security infrastructure, and successfully delivering the Louvre’s long-term renovation strategy.
The museum, housed in a former royal palace and home to masterpieces such as Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, welcomes around nine million visitors each year. Its global stature means that any disruption resonates far beyond France – making stability a top priority.
Despite the recent setbacks, there are signs of a reset already under way. Emergency measures have been introduced since the robbery, including upgrades to security systems, while multiple investigations – from the culture ministry, parliament and the Senate – are expected to produce detailed recommendations in the coming months.
(With newswires)
France’s world famous Louvre museum is poised for a leadership shake-up after the resignation of its president Laurence des Cars on Tuesday, with a new chief expected to be appointed swiftly, in a bid to restore confidence following months of turbulence.
Christophe Leribault – the current head of the Palace of Versailles – is widely expected to take over the role, according to a source within the French executive.
His appointment is due to be announced by the Council of Ministers, with a mandate focused on securing and modernising the institution, as well as delivering the ambitious “Louvre – New Renaissance” overhaul.
The move comes at a delicate moment for the world’s most visited museum, which has been grappling with a string of high-profile incidents that have exposed weaknesses but also prompted renewed momentum for reform.
Months of pressure
Des Cars formally stepped down after submitting her resignation to President Emmanuel Macron, who accepted it while praising what he described as a responsible decision at a time when the museum needs “calm” and a fresh push to carry out major security projects.
Her departure follows sustained pressure linked to an audacious October robbery in which French crown jewels worth around €88 million were stolen in broad daylight. The jewels have yet to be recovered, although four suspects remain in custody and investigations are ongoing.
Initially, Macron had declined an earlier offer by des Cars to resign shortly after the break-in. But as further issues emerged – including reports of systemic security failings, a ticket fraud scandal, and even a water leak in a gallery housing the Mona Lisa – the pressure became harder to withstand.
Parliamentary inquiries and audits have painted a sobering picture. Lawmakers have pointed to “systemic failures” after dozens of hearings, while France’s Court of Auditors criticised the museum for prioritising high-profile projects over essential security investment, despite earlier warnings dating back to 2017.
Des Cars herself acknowledged shortcomings in later interviews, conceding that structural weaknesses had remained and that concerns were justified. Even so, Macron thanked her for her commitment and recognised her expertise, underlining that her tenure was not without achievement.
Rebuilding confidence
Attention is now turning to what comes next – and to the challenge awaiting Leribault, should his appointment be confirmed. His mission is expected to centre on restoring trust, strengthening security infrastructure, and successfully delivering the Louvre’s long-term renovation strategy.
The museum, housed in a former royal palace and home to masterpieces such as Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, welcomes around nine million visitors each year. Its global stature means that any disruption resonates far beyond France – making stability a top priority.
Despite the recent setbacks, there are signs of a reset already under way. Emergency measures have been introduced since the robbery, including upgrades to security systems, while multiple investigations – from the culture ministry, parliament and the Senate – are expected to produce detailed recommendations in the coming months.
(With newswires)
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