In a move to stabilize France’s most iconic cultural institution following a string of high-profile scandals, President Emmanuel Macron has appointed Christophe Leribault as the new president and director of the Musée du Louvre. The appointment, announced on February 25, 2026, comes less than 24 hours after the resignation of Laurence des Cars, who stepped down amid mounting pressure over a brazen multi-million dollar jewellery heist and systemic management failures.
A Museum in Turmoil
The Louvre, the world’s most visited museum, has faced a “perfect storm” of crises over the past several months. The most devastating blow occurred in October 2025, when a gang of thieves executed a daylight raid on the Galerie d’Apollon. Utilizing a vehicle-mounted extendable ladder to breach a second-floor window, the burglars made off with priceless 19th-century Napoleonic jewels—including an emerald necklace and sapphire sets—worth an estimated $102 million (€88 million).
While the thieves accidentally dropped the diamond-encrusted crown of Empress Eugénie during their escape, the rest of the haul remains missing. The heist exposed “glaring security gaps,” including the revelation that only 39% of the museum’s rooms were equipped with CCTV cameras.
Beyond the theft, the museum has been crippled by:
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Labor Unrest: Rolling strikes since December 2025 over pay and working conditions have forced the museum to shut its doors repeatedly, resulting in millions of euros in lost revenue.
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Financial Scandals: Prosecutors are currently investigating a massive ticket fraud scheme alleged to have siphoned over €10 million over a decade.
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Infrastructure Failure: Recent water leaks damaged hundreds of works, highlighting the aging state of the former royal palace.
Who is Christophe Leribault?
Leribault, 62, is a highly respected art historian and seasoned administrator. He transitions to the Louvre from his role as the head of the Palace of Versailles, where he has served since 2024. A specialist in 18th-century art, Leribault is no stranger to the Louvre’s halls; he previously served as the deputy director of the museum’s graphic arts department from 2006 to 2012.
His track record includes successful leadership roles at the Musée d’Orsay, the Musée de l’Orangerie, and the Petit Palais. His appointment is seen as a strategic choice to bring “calm and a strong new impetus” to an institution described by some critics as a “state within a state.”
The Road Ahead: Security and Modernization
The French Ministry of Culture has been explicit about Leribault’s mandate: he must “strengthen the safety and security of the building, the collections, and people” and “restore a climate of trust” among the staff.
One of his first challenges will be navigating the ambitious—and controversial—modernization plans proposed by his predecessor. These plans include a massive €600 million redevelopment to create a new entrance and a dedicated gallery for Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. However, striking workers have labeled these plans “unrealistic,” arguing that funds should be redirected from new acquisitions and grand projects toward basic infrastructure and security upgrades.
The Resignation of Laurence des Cars
Laurence des Cars, who became the first woman to lead the Louvre in 2021, leaves behind a complicated legacy. While she was praised for her vision and academic rigor, her tenure was ultimately overshadowed by the October heist. Upon resigning, Des Cars acknowledged a “terrible failure” in security, admitting that the museum’s external surveillance was “highly inadequate.”
President Macron accepted her resignation as an “act of responsibility,” signaling a desire for a clean break from the scandals that have tarnished the museum’s global reputation.
Sources & Further Reading:
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The Guardian: Macron appoints new head of crisis-hit Louvre after jewellery heist
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The Art Newspaper: New leaders of France’s Louvre and Orsay museums announced
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Britannica: What Was Stolen from the Louvre? Facts on the 2025 Heist
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Interpol: Stolen Works of Art Database – Louvre Museum Theft
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ArtReview: New president announced for the Louvre following resignation
