New director takes command of the Louvre after the theft of Crown jewels and a series of internal crises
Christophe Leribault has been appointed the new director of the Louvre Museum amid significant challenges following the theft of the Crown jewels and internal crises.
The Louvre Museum, the most visited in the world, is set for a leadership change as Christophe Leribault takes over as director after a series of crises, notably the theft of the French Crown jewels in October. The announcement made by government spokesperson Maud Bregeon outlines Leribault's role in restoring stability to the prestigious institution, which has faced unprecedented challenges in recent times due to security failures highlighted by the high-profile theft.
The museum, housed in a former royal palace, has been dealing not only with security breaches highlighted by the daytime robbery, one of the most emblematic art heists in decades, but also with various maintenance and operational issues. One such issue includes a ruptured pipe near the museum's most popular exhibition areas, causing water infiltration that has damaged both the infrastructure and potentially the artworks on display, which may further complicate Leribault's new role.
As Leribault steps into his position, he faces the dual challenge of addressing immediate security concerns while also undertaking long-term strategic efforts to safeguard the museum's reputation and visitor experience. His appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the Louvre, as it seeks to regain public trust and ensure the safety of its invaluable collections against any future threats.