The director of the iconic Louvre Museum in Paris, Laurence des Cars, resigned on Tuesday in the aftermath of last year’s “heist of the century,” in which €88 million ($100 million) worth of crown jewels were stolen.
French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed he had accepted her resignation, lauding her decision as “an act of responsibility at a time when the world’s largest museum needs both stability and a strong new impetus,” according to the Elysée Palace.
Des Cars had originally offered her resignation to Culture Minister Rachida Dati following the Apollo Gallery robbery, but it was rejected at the time.
Reflecting on the incident, she acknowledged that the “absolutely obsolete, even absent, technical infrastructure” to protect the nation’s most valuable treasures was a “terrible observation” for the world’s largest museum.
In 2024, the Louvre welcomed 8.7 million visitors, with Americans representing 13% of all guests, second only to the French.
“The President thanked her for her work and commitment over the past few years and, recognizing her undeniable scientific expertise, entrusted her with a mission within the framework of the French G7 presidency, focusing on cooperation between the major museums of the participating countries,” the Elysée added on Tuesday.
The museum had temporarily closed its doors to visitors following the theft, which came amid other challenges, including strike actions over the past year. Workers had complained of overcrowding, understaffing, and poor working conditions.
Des Cars made history when she became the first female director of the Louvre in its 230-year history in September 2021.
