Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Louvre Audit Rebukes Security Lapses, Says Overhaul Won’t Be Finished Until 2032

France’s Court of Audit faults years of flashy spending over maintenance, warning the museum’s protections lag far behind needs.

Overview

  • The report, released Thursday, finds the museum favored acquisitions and gallery makeovers over core safeguards, with only 39% of rooms covered by modern cameras in 2024.
  • Auditors estimate roughly €95 million is needed to modernize security, noting just about €3–3.5 million was spent on it between 2018 and 2024.
  • Recommendations call for governance and budget changes, including ending the rule that earmarks 20% of ticket revenue for acquisitions so funds can go to urgent security and infrastructure.
  • Authorities outlined near-term defenses such as anti-intrusion and anti-ram barriers outside the museum by year’s end, and the board will meet in an emergency session on Friday.
  • The criminal investigation continues with four suspects jailed, DNA linking at least one to items at the scene, a partial admission reported by prosecutors, and the stolen crown jewels still unrecovered.