Feb 24 • 17:56 UTC 🇫🇮 Finland Yle Uutiset

The director of the scandal-ridden Louvre has left his position

Laurence des Cars, the director of the renowned Louvre Museum in Paris, has resigned amid various scandals affecting the institution.

Laurence des Cars, the director of the Louvre Museum in Paris, has resigned from his position after a series of scandals have plagued the museum. His resignation was submitted to French President Emmanuel Macron, who accepted it, as confirmed by the presidential office. This move comes in the wake of increasing scrutiny over the museum's management, especially following high-profile incidents that have raised significant concerns about its security and operational integrity.

In recent months, the Louvre has been marked by a bold theft where jewelry worth 88 million euros was stolen during opening hours, exposing severe flaws in the museum's security measures, according to a report commissioned by the French Senate's cultural commission. This incident has led to questions regarding the museum's ability to safeguard its valuable collections, and the fallout has contributed to the urgency for leadership change.

Additionally, in February, the museum reported a widespread ticketing fraud scheme that resulted in estimated losses of up to 10 million euros. Authorities indicated that tour guides catering to Chinese tourists exploited the system by using the same tickets multiple times, with some allegedly bribing museum staff. The Louvre has also faced operational challenges with two incidents of water damage, showcasing further mismanagement issues. Des Cars' departure is reflective of the broader concerns about the museum's future and the need for significant reforms in its administration.

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