Copyright Newsweek
Laurence des Cars, Director of the Louvre, has offered to resign following the daring theft of historic jewelry valued at 88 million euros ($102 million) from the Paris museum, referring to the heist as a "terrible failure" for the museum. While giving testimony to the French Senate Wednesday, des Cars said the museums security "weaknesses" had been exposed by the theft. The brazen heist, which took just minutes on a Sunday morning, has raised serious questions about the security of the world’s most visited museum and left French officials scrambling to account for lapses that allowed thieves to walk away with eight priceless crown jewels. As the Louvre grapples with the fallout, the event has become a touchstone for broader concerns. The museum represents a symbol of French pride and culture; the loss of some of its most treasured royal artifacts has struck a blow to both. The theft exposed security vulnerabilities even as global media scrutinized both the museum and the government’s commitment to protecting art and history, making the story resonate far beyond France's borders. Authorities face pressure to recover the jewels before they are altered or destroyed, a fate experts warn could significantly diminish their historical and monetary value. This is a breaking news story. More to come.
