Louvre Museum President Resigns Months After Jewelry Thefts
Laurence des Cars, the first female president of the Louvre Museum, has resigned following recent jewelry thefts to facilitate a fresh direction for the institution.
Laurence des Cars, the president of the Louvre Museum, submitted her resignation which was accepted by French President Emmanuel Macron. This decision is said to be aimed at instigating a 'new impetus' for the museum, which has faced challenges following a significant jewelry theft in October. The statement from the presidency highlighted the need for tranquility and motivation in leading the museum towards major security initiatives and modernization, including the ambitious 'Louvre - New Renaissance' project.
Des Cars, aged 54, made history by being the first woman to hold the presidency of the prestigious Louvre. Her previous experience as head of the Musée d'Orsay, coupled with her vibrant leadership style, has been noted for its focus on diversity, social themes, and engaging younger audiences. As she resigns, there are questions about the future leadership of the museum and how it will navigate the aftermath of the theft incident while pursuing its goals for modernization and security.
This resignation comes at a pivotal time for the Louvre, often regarded as the world's largest museum, as it seeks to restore its image and address security concerns raised by the recent theft. The presidency emphasized that this change is critical during a period when the museum must prepare for significant future projects, reflecting an urgent need for strategic direction in its operations and outreach, particularly in engaging with modern audiences and securing its valuable collections.