Louvre Museum Faces Pressure to Expedite Security Upgrades After Audit Reveals Major Delays
France's court of auditors urged the Louvre Museum to expedite security modernizations. An audit before a heist revealed insufficient investment and slow implementation of safety plans.
Overview
- France's court of auditors has strongly urged the Louvre Museum to significantly accelerate its security modernization plans, citing major delays in implementing crucial upgrades since 2018.
- An audit before a heist revealed only 3 million euros of an estimated 83 million for security were invested between 2018 and 2024, highlighting severe underfunding and delays.
- The audit also noted that the world's most-visited museum had prioritized investments in enhancing visitor experience and acquiring new art pieces over essential security infrastructure.
- A recent robbery prompted the Louvre to expedite upgrades, as only 39% of its rooms had cameras installed as of 2024, underscoring the immediate need for enhanced security.
- The museum plans to install anti-ramming and anti-intrusion devices within two months, with further security enhancements by year-end, though full modernization is not expected until 2032.
Report issue
Read both sides in 5 minutes each day
Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover this story neutrally by presenting factual information from official reports and statements without injecting editorial bias. They attribute critical assessments directly to sources like the Court of Auditors and the Culture Minister, while also including the Louvre's response, ensuring a balanced and objective account of the security issues and audit findings.
"The court of auditors believes security can be improved without hiring more staff at the museum, Moscovici added."
ABC NewsArticles (3)
FAQ
A recent heist and an earlier audit by France's court of auditors revealed significant delays and underfunding in security upgrades, with only 3 million euros invested out of an estimated 83 million euros between 2018 and 2024[1].
The audit found that the Louvre had prioritized visitor experience and art acquisition over security, resulting in only 3 million euros of a planned 83 million euros being spent on security upgrades between 2018 and 2024, and only 39% of rooms had cameras by 2024.
The museum plans to install anti-ramming and anti-intrusion devices within two months, with further security enhancements by year-end, though full modernization is not expected until 2032.
Security checks are mandatory for all visitors, and large bags or items over 55x35x20cm are prohibited. However, the museum has faced criticism for understaffing and inadequate surveillance coverage, with only 39% of rooms equipped with cameras as of 2024.
The recent high-profile heist has led to increased scrutiny of Louvre leadership and French government officials, with calls for urgent action to prevent future incidents and restore public confidence in the museum's security.
History
- This story does not have any previous versions.