Louvre Museum President Laurence des Cars Resigns After Notorious Jewel Heist

In a significant development following the audacious theft at the world-renowned Louvre Museum, its President, Laurence des Cars, has tendered her resignation to French President Emmanuel Macron. The French President accepted her resignation, which he labelled as an 'act of responsibility'. The high-profile resignation comes four months after the theft of crown jewels worth an estimated €88m (£76m) from the museum's Apollo gallery, in what has been dubbed as France's most dramatic heist in decades.

Behind the Resignation

Laurence des Cars' resignation has been seen as inevitable since the jewel heist last October, which laid bare the systemic failures in the security measures at the museum. The heist, involving Napoleonic jewellery, was carried out in less than eight minutes, delivering a blow to the reputation of the world's most visited museum.

In addition to the security lapses, the Louvre administration has been dealing with social unrest within the museum staff. A labor strike, triggered in mid-December, and issues including water leaks further marred des Cars' tenure.

Des Cars' Tenure and the Aftermath of the Heist

Des Cars had offered to resign immediately after the incident, but continued in her role, attempting to steer the institution through the crisis. In these months, I have tried to protect the institution, to fight against fake news and unfounded rumors. I was the president, my role was to act as a lightning rod, she stated in her last interview.

Despite her efforts, the museum has faced intense criticism, and des Cars remained under fire for what critics have labeled a stunning embarrassment. A parliamentary inquiry into the incident had called the Paris museum a ‘state within a state’, pointing to a lack of control and oversight.

The Road Ahead for the Louvre

With des Cars' departure, the Louvre is in need of a 'new impulse', especially in light of major projects involving security upgrades and modernization. Macron thanked des Cars for her work and commitment, and hinted at giving her a new mission focused on cooperation among major museums.

In a recent development, Christophe Leribault, the current president of the Château de Versailles, is expected to be appointed as the new president of the Louvre Museum. His appointment is expected to be announced during the council of ministers that will take place on Wednesday morning.

Conclusion

Des Cars' resignation marks the end of a tumultuous chapter for the Louvre, which has been grappling with the fallout of the heist and ongoing internal issues. The incoming administration, under the expected leadership of Leribault, will need to address the pressing security concerns and restore confidence in the management of the world's largest museum. Simultaneously, Laurence des Cars' future role in fostering cooperation among major museums will be keenly watched in the cultural world.