The Louvre Museum, the world's most visited museum, will install 100 external security cameras by the end of 2026 as part of comprehensive security upgrades following a spectacular daylight heist that exposed critical flaws in the institution's protection systems. Director Laurence Des Cars announced the major security overhaul during a National Assembly hearing, revealing plans that also include establishing closer ties with Paris police through an "advanced police station within the Louvre's estate."
The October 19 robbery that prompted these sweeping changes saw four thieves make off with precious jewels worth $102 million in broad daylight, raising serious questions about the museum's ability to safeguard its priceless collections. Among the stolen treasures was a tiara adorned with pearls that once belonged to French Empress Eugenie, highlighting the historical significance of the lost artifacts. While investigators have charged four suspects in connection with the heist, including Pedro Elias Garzon Delvaux, the stolen treasures remain missing.
Museum officials have acknowledged significant gaps in their security infrastructure, admitting there was inadequate camera coverage of the museum's exterior walls and no surveillance of the balcony that thieves used to gain entry. This security blind spot allowed the robbers to execute their plan without being properly monitored, demonstrating the urgent need for comprehensive upgrades to the museum's protective measures.
In response to the breach, French officials have committed to implementing additional security measures by the end of this year, including anti-intrusion devices and anti-vehicle ramming barriers on nearby public roads. These immediate steps are designed to create multiple layers of protection around the iconic museum while the longer-term camera installation project moves forward over the next two years.
The security failures have drawn criticism from France's public audit body, the Cour des Comptes, which published a report last month suggesting that the museum's inability to update its infrastructure was worsened by excessive spending on artwork acquisitions. However, Director Des Cars defended the museum's acquisition strategy, telling politicians that she takes "full responsibility for these acquisitions, which are the pride of our country and our collections," and emphasized that artwork purchases should not be viewed as competing with necessary infrastructure improvements.
The heist represents one of the most significant security breaches in the Louvre's recent history and has sparked a comprehensive review of security protocols at one of the world's most important cultural institutions. The planned improvements reflect the museum's commitment to protecting both its permanent collections and the millions of visitors who come to experience art and culture each year.
