In a significant shake-up for France's cultural institutions, Christophe Leribault has been appointed as the new president of the Louvre Museum, succeeding Laurence des Cars. This move comes after a series of crises at the world's most-visited museum, including a high-profile jewelry heist, union strikes, and a ticket fraud scandal.
A Leadership Change Amidst Turmoil
The French Council of Ministers officially appointed Leribault on Wednesday, marking a pivotal moment for the iconic institution. Leribault, who previously served as president of the Palace of Versailles, takes over from des Cars, who had led the Louvre since 2021. Des Cars resigned on Tuesday, with President Emmanuel Macron accepting her departure.
Challenges Facing the New President
Government spokesperson Maud Bregeon emphasized that Leribault will be tasked with leading major projects focused on security and modernization. The culture ministry added that he must "restore a climate of trust" within the museum. This appointment follows a litany of problems that have plagued the Louvre in recent months.
The most notable incident was a $100 million jewelry robbery in October 2025, where eight items, including French crown jewels, were stolen. Four suspects, including the two alleged thieves, are in police custody, but the stolen items remain missing. An inquiry into the heist is ongoing, with lawmaker Alexandre Portier criticizing the Louvre for becoming a "state within a state" where authorities lack sufficient control.
Operational and Financial Struggles
Beyond the theft, the Louvre has faced operational challenges, including union strikes that forced the museum to close four times since mid-December, resulting in approximately 2 million euros in lost revenue. Other issues include a ticket fraud scandal, water leaks, and structural, maintenance, and security concerns. French daily Le Monde reported that des Cars' departure became "inevitable" after the burglary and strikes, which pressed for more recruitment, pay, and better maintenance.
Background of the New Leader
Christophe Leribault, 62, is an art historian and museum director specializing in 18th-century art. He has extensive experience leading major Parisian institutions, including the Petit Palais and the Musee d'Orsay, which houses the world's largest collection of Impressionist paintings. Leribault was appointed president of the Palace of Versailles in 2024, where he oversaw events for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Des Cars' Legacy and Departure
Laurence des Cars made history as the first woman to lead the Louvre when appointed in 2021. In an interview with Le Figaro, she expressed pride in her accomplishments but noted that "staying the course is not enough... the conditions for moving forward are no longer in place." She described the period since the theft as a "media and political storm of unprecedented proportions."
The Louvre, home to masterpieces like Leonardo Da Vinci's Mona Lisa, attracts around nine million visitors annually. Leribault's appointment signals a new chapter for the museum as it seeks to address its challenges and restore public confidence.
