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The Louvre Museum has announced comprehensive security upgrades following last month’s brazen jewelry heist, including the installation of approximately 100 new surveillance cameras and advanced anti-intrusion systems, according to museum director Laurence des Cars.
Speaking before the Committee of Cultural Affairs of the National Assembly on Wednesday, des Cars outlined more than 20 emergency security measures that will be implemented in the wake of the October 19 theft that saw criminals make off with crown jewels valued at 88 million euros ($102 million).
“After the shock, after the emotion, after the assessment, it’s time for action,” des Cars told the committee. The new surveillance cameras will be operational by the end of next year, while the anti-intrusion systems will begin installation within two weeks.
Though des Cars avoided sharing specific technical details, she indicated the new systems would prevent potential intruders from approaching museum buildings while ensuring “complete protection of the museum’s surroundings.” The security overhaul also includes the creation of a dedicated “security coordinator” position, which has already been posted this month.
The October heist highlighted significant vulnerabilities in the museum’s existing security infrastructure. Thieves required less than eight minutes to force their way through a window into the Apollo Gallery using a freight lift before stealing the valuable crown jewels.
Des Cars revealed that the robbers employed disc cutters designed for concrete to break into the display cases, a method security planners had not anticipated when the cases were replaced in 2019. Those display cases had primarily been designed to withstand attacks from inside the museum with conventional weapons.
“Videos show how difficult it was for the thieves,” des Cars noted, explaining that security footage demonstrated the display cases “held up remarkably well and did not break apart” despite the aggressive cutting tools.
The security upgrades are part of the larger “Louvre New Renaissance” initiative announced earlier this year, a comprehensive decade-long modernization project estimated to cost up to 800 million euros ($933 million). The ambitious plan aims to modernize the museum’s infrastructure, reduce crowding, and create a dedicated gallery for the Mona Lisa by 2031.
The world’s most visited museum has faced increasing strain from overtourism in recent years. Des Cars pointed out that the iconic glass pyramid, inaugurated in 1989, was originally designed to accommodate about 4 million visitors annually. This year, the Louvre has already welcomed more than 8 million visitors, prompting management to restrict daily admissions to 30,000 people.
“The extensive modernization that the Louvre underwent in the 1980s is now technically obsolete, with equipment that has been overperforming for 40 years,” des Cars explained, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive updates.
The museum’s infrastructure challenges extend beyond security concerns. On Monday, the Louvre announced the temporary closure of some employee offices and a public gallery due to structural fragility, further underscoring the pressing need for the renovation plan.
The October theft has intensified scrutiny of museum security across Europe, with cultural institutions reassessing their vulnerability to sophisticated criminal operations. Art security experts have noted that museums often face difficult trade-offs between public accessibility and maximum security protocols, a balance the Louvre is now working to recalibrate through its comprehensive new measures.
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11 Comments
This jewelry heist at the Louvre is a stark reminder of the constant threat that museums face from determined thieves. I’m glad the museum is taking decisive action to upgrade its security systems and procedures. Protecting priceless cultural heritage should be a top priority.
Absolutely. The Louvre’s response seems appropriate given the severity of the crime. Robust security is essential for safeguarding the world’s most valuable art and artifacts.
This is certainly an embarrassing incident for the Louvre. But I’m glad to see they are not taking it lightly and are quickly implementing substantial security upgrades. Hopefully this deters any future attempts to steal their priceless artifacts.
Absolutely. The museum has a responsibility to protect its irreplaceable treasures. These new measures should significantly enhance their ability to do so.
It’s good to see the Louvre taking this incident so seriously. Jewelry worth over $100 million is an enormous loss, so bolstering security with new cameras, intrusion detection, and a dedicated coordinator is a prudent response. Protecting priceless cultural treasures should be a top priority.
I’m curious to learn more about the specific anti-intrusion systems the Louvre plans to install. Enhancing perimeter security and monitoring is critical, but the details will be interesting to follow. Securing a museum of this size and prominence is no easy task.
Good point. The Louvre will need to strike the right balance between robust security and maintaining an open, welcoming atmosphere for visitors. The technical specifics of their upgrades will be worth monitoring.
Sounds like the Louvre is taking this heist very seriously. Installing 100 new security cameras is a major investment. I wonder what other advanced anti-intrusion systems they have planned to improve protection around the museum.
Agreed, the museum seems committed to bolstering security after this high-profile theft. Creating a dedicated security coordinator role is a smart move as well.
Kudos to the Louvre for their swift and comprehensive security overhaul following this brazen heist. Upgrading to 100 new surveillance cameras and advanced anti-intrusion systems is a substantial investment, but clearly necessary to deter future attempts. I hope these measures are effective.
This jewelry heist at the Louvre is certainly concerning, but I’m encouraged to see the museum responding with such a robust security upgrade plan. 100 new cameras and improved perimeter protection are substantial investments that should significantly enhance their ability to safeguard valuable artifacts.