Just one day after Laurence des Cars resigned as the director of the Louvre Museum, French President Emmanuel Macron announced the appointment of art historian Christophe Leribaut as her successor. Leribaut, who previously served as the head of the Palace of Versailles, has a reputation for curating significant exhibitions, including a recent collaboration with Hong Kong's Palace Museum centered on Gian Lorenzo Bernini's marble bust of King Louis XIV.

Macron has evidently been considering the leadership change for some time, as Leribaut's extensive experience in prominent cultural institutions, including his previous roles at the Musée d’Orsay and the Petit Palais, positions him well for the challenges of leading one of the world's most renowned museums. The abrupt resignation of des Cars, who had initially offered her resignation following a prominent jewel heist at the Louvre, speaks to the pressures and expectations that come with such a high-profile role in France's cultural landscape.

As the Louvre navigates the ramifications of des Cars' exit and embraces a new leader, Leribaut’s appointment arrives at a critical time. His track record suggests that he may bring fresh perspectives and strategies aimed at elevating the museum’s profile and addressing the issues raised during des Cars' tenure, particularly the incident that prompted her resignation. How Leribaut plans to tackle both contemporary challenges and the museum's storied legacy will be closely monitored by stakeholders in France's cultural sector and beyond.