News
Laurence des Cars resigns as director of the Louvre after a turbulent period
French President Emmanuel Macron accepted the resignation of Louvre Museum director Laurence des Cars on Tuesday, February 24. Des Cars had been under intense scrutiny since the shocking theft of French crown jewels last October. According to the President's office, the museum "needs a new impetus" to address security projects, modernization, and the development of the Louvre – New Renaissance project.
The Élysée Palace stated that Macron accepted the resignation “as an act of responsibility at a time when the world’s largest museum requires calm and a strong new impetus.” The president, who appointed the art historian in late 2021, thanked her for her work and commitment over the years and announced that he will entrust her with a mission to foster cooperation among the leading museums of the G7 countries.
Laurence des Cars's term was scheduled to run until 2026, but his tenure was plagued by several setbacks since the theft: the Louvre had to close a gallery due to the dilapidated state of some facilities and was the victim of widespread ticket fraud. Furthermore, his decisions were harshly criticized internally by staff, who since mid-December have been engaged in the longest labor dispute in the museum's history, protesting their working conditions.
With this decision, the Louvre now faces a period of transition in which it plans to strengthen both security and modernize the museum, while maintaining its role as a global benchmark for art and culture.
