Louvre to Install 100 New Cameras After $102M Crown Jewels Heist

UPDATE: The Louvre Museum is taking urgent action following a dramatic crown jewels heist last month, with plans to install 100 new surveillance cameras and advanced anti-intrusion systems by the end of next year. This announcement comes from Louvre director Laurence des Cars, who revealed the new security measures during a statement to the National Assembly’s Committee of Cultural Affairs.

The Louvre, located in Paris, was rocked by a brazen robbery on October 19, 2023, when thieves stole a stunning trove valued at €88 million ($102 million) in under 8 minutes. Des Cars emphasized that these upgrades are essential to ensure the museum’s safety and are part of a broader initiative that includes over 20 emergency measures.

In just two weeks, the Louvre will begin implementing cutting-edge anti-intrusion systems designed to prevent unauthorized access to the museum’s facilities. Des Cars stated, “After the shock, after the emotion, after the assessment, it’s time for action,” underscoring the urgency of enhancing security at the world’s most visited museum.

The robbery involved sophisticated tools, as the thieves employed disc cutters, typically used for concrete, to breach the display cases. Des Cars noted that the display cases, replaced in 2019, were originally designed to thwart attacks from within the museum rather than external break-ins. “It’s a method that had not been imagined at all,” she remarked, highlighting the need for updated security measures.

As part of the Louvre’s comprehensive security upgrade, a new “security coordinator” position has been created, with recruitment already underway. Footage from the museum’s cameras revealed that despite the thieves’ efforts, the display cases “held up remarkably well,” indicating the challenges faced by the intruders.

This security overhaul is a critical component of the Louvre’s ambitious “New Renaissance” plan, which aims to modernize infrastructure and accommodate the soaring number of visitors. Currently, daily attendance is limited to 30,000 due to overwhelming crowds, as the museum has already welcomed over 8 million visitors this year alone.

Des Cars pointed out that the Louvre’s infrastructure, originally modernized in the 1980s, has become outdated, with systems that have been overperforming for four decades. The museum’s iconic glass pyramid, designed to handle 4 million visitors annually, is now under immense pressure from record attendance levels.

In addition to enhancing security, the Louvre is temporarily closing some employee offices and one public gallery due to structural concerns, further emphasizing the urgent need for renovations. The museum is committed to ensuring the safety of both its collections and its visitors as it moves forward with this significant upgrade in security measures.

As the Louvre prepares for these changes, the global art community waits with bated breath to see how the museum will tackle the challenges posed by modern security threats while continuing to attract millions of visitors eager to experience its world-renowned exhibits.