France’s top auditors sharply criticised Louvre Museum bosses on Thursday for spending millions of euros on high-profile exhibitions and expensive purchases instead of improving security and maintaining the historic building.
Nearly three weeks after thieves broke into the Paris museum and escaped with €90 million worth of precious jewels, the Cour des comptes (Court of Auditors), France’s public spending watchdog, released its findings on Louvre operations between 2018 and 2024.
“The theft of the Crown Jewels is, without a doubt, a deafening wake-up call,” said Pierre Moscovici, one of the senior figures in the committee.
“The management prioritised visible and attractive operations at the expense of the maintenance and renovation of buildings and technical installations, particularly those relating to safety and security,” he said.
Heist aftermath
On 19 October, four people used a basket lift to cut through a window in the Galerie d’Apollon shortly after the museum opened.
They escaped with treasures including Empress Eugénie’s diamond diadem and sapphires once worn by Queen Marie-Amélie and Hortense de Beauharnais.
A 38-year-old woman and a 37-year-old man were charged on 1 November over the theft. Two other suspects, aged 34 and 39, were arrested on 25 October and have partly admitted their role, prosecutors said.
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Security gaps
The auditors’ report found that not enough money had been spent repairing galleries that welcomed nine million visitors in 2024.
“We are alarmed by the persistent delay in the deployment of security equipment to protect the works. These investments are essential to ensure the long-term functioning of the institution,” the auditors said.
A review of security carried out between 2015 and 2017 discovered flaws in the system but its findings were ignored, they added.
“The top priority today must be the renovation of the museum and the modernisation of its fire, security and safety infrastructure. The Louvre deserves this,” Moscovici said.
‘Failure to prioritise’
The report also pointed to the museum’s failure to prioritise projects, leaving it with a backlog of investments it cannot afford.
The auditors urged Louvre leaders to focus on essential projects such as safety, security and restoration, limit acquisitions and redesigns, and manage spending more rigorously.
They said the ministries overseeing the museum should shift performance goals toward maintenance and infrastructure rather than new departments or exhibitions.
The report also questioned plans for a new entrance on the Colonnade side to relieve congestion at the Pyramid and add 22,000m² of underground space, including a Mona Lisa gallery and new halls.
That project, launched without proper feasibility, financial or visitor studies, has already seen costs rise from €450 million to €667 million.
“Given the financial strain, the museum must prioritise essential infrastructure and safety upgrades over expansion projects,” the auditors said.
