French Audit Faults Louvre Over Security Failures as Museum Starts Overhaul

Overview

• France’s Cour des Comptes published its findings on November 6, saying Louvre management prioritized high-visibility projects over maintenance and security from 2018 to 2024 and issuing ten recommendations.
• The report says only 39% of rooms had cameras in 2024 and that full security upgrades are not expected to be completed before 2032.
• Investigative reporting details weak credentials such as the password “Louvre,” legacy Thales surveillance software dating to 2003, and obsolete Windows 2000/Server 2003 systems.
• Culture Minister Rachida Dati pledged anti-intrusion and vehicle barriers by year-end, and Louvre director Laurence des Cars said video-security improvements begin today with an emergency board meeting.
• Four suspects have been charged and detained in the October 19 theft, the stolen imperial jewels valued at roughly $100 million remain missing.