The French government has officially named Christophe Leribault as the new director of the Louvre Museum, succeeding Laurence des Cars, who recently had her resignation approved. Leribault, age 62, is an accomplished art historian with a distinguished background previously leading both Musée d'Orsay and Musée de l'Orangerie in Paris. Most recently, he served as the director of the Palace of Versailles, a position he will vacate to take on the responsibilities at the Louvre.

His appointment comes amid heightened security concerns for the Louvre, particularly following a high-profile jewel heist that occurred in broad daylight, resulting in a significant loss valued at hundreds of millions of kroner. Furthermore, the museum has recently faced internal challenges, including several employee strikes that have affected operations and public perception. Leribault's mandate will therefore extend beyond mere administration to encompass crucial reform in security measures and restoring public trust in one of the world's most famous art institutions.

As Leribault transitions from Versailles to the Louvre, he carries the expectation to implement effective strategies that address the recent setbacks and bolster the museum’s reputation. Given his extensive experience managing prestigious cultural institutions, stakeholders in the art community will be closely watching his approach and the impact of his initiatives on both security and visitor engagement at the Louvre.