The Louvre Museum is set to appoint Christophe Leribault as its new director following the resignation of Laurence des Cars. This change comes in the wake of a significant theft at the museum, where items valued at $100 million were stolen in October 2022. An informed source confirmed the appointment to AFP, indicating that the announcement will be made during a cabinet meeting later today.
Leribault, who is currently the president of the Palace of Versailles, will take on the critical role of securing and modernizing the world’s most-visited museum. At 62 years old, he brings a wealth of experience as an art historian and museum director, having previously led esteemed institutions such as the Petit Palais and the Musée d’Orsay. He was appointed to his current position at Versailles in 2024, one of the most prominent cultural sites in France.
Des Cars’ resignation was formally submitted to President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday, following a series of controversies stemming from the high-profile robbery. Since her appointment as director in 2021, Des Cars faced mounting scrutiny, particularly after the theft of French crown jewels, which included priceless artifacts that remain missing. An ongoing inquiry into the incident has resulted in four suspects being taken into custody, including the two alleged thieves.
The Louvre, a former royal palace that houses iconic works such as Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa”, sees approximately nine million visitors annually. In response to the theft, the museum has implemented emergency measures, including the replacement of security grilles that were compromised during the robbery. Des Cars had focused on a major renovation initiative known as “Louvre – New Renaissance,” aimed at enhancing the visitor experience.
In a related development, Annick Lemoine, the current head of the Petit Palais, is expected to succeed Des Cars as the director of the Musée d’Orsay, as announced in an official journal on Wednesday. This leadership transition, particularly at the Louvre, highlights the ongoing challenges faced by cultural institutions in maintaining security and public trust in the wake of significant thefts and scandals.
As Leribault prepares to step into his new role, the art world will be watching closely to see how he addresses the pressing security concerns while continuing to honor the rich history and cultural significance of the Louvre.
