As the media notes Le Monde
The Court of Auditors of France on Thursday, November 6 published a report on the Louvre’s work for 2018–2024, which revealed chronic underinvestment in the museum’s security and engineering systems. The report also noted that museum leadership favored purchasing artworks over repairs and modernization of security technologies.
Key financial findings of the audit
According to the audit, only €26.7 million was spent to bring the infrastructure up to standard, and €59.5 million for the restoration of the palace as a historic monument, for the period 2018–2024. By contrast, €105 million went toward acquiring artworks, and €63.5 million for updating museum spaces, notably in the Islamic Art Department.
“Between 2018 and 2024, the museum directed only €26.7 million to bring the infrastructure up to standard and €59.5 million to restore the palace as a historic monument.”
Experts also note that during the museum robbery on October 19 it was clear that more cameras were needed both inside and outside the palace. As a result, experts urge setting spending priorities and strengthening security technology solutions.
Louvre Nouvelle Renaissance and Financial Risks
Specifically, the report mentions the ambitious Louvre Nouvelle Renaissance project, announced by President Emmanuel Macron in January of the preceding year. It envisions building a new entrance and underground exhibition spaces, including a 3,000 sq m hall for the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci.
“Given the budgetary deadlock the museum finds itself in, it must prioritize its projects, giving precedence to investments crucial for its future, above all the modernization of its technical infrastructure, including security and protection systems and the restoration of the palace.”
According to the report, as of June 2025 the project’s cost was revalued to €667 million – compared with the initial €450 million. In the museum’s response, it stated that most of the recommendations would be taken into account, but Louvre Nouvelle Renaissance is viewed as a two-block plan: updating the heritage and infrastructure and creating new access and spaces within the Louvre, with implementation by 2031.
The report appeared less than three weeks after the Louvre’s sensational theft of royal jewels – an event that intensified the discussion about the museum’s security. In the French capital, police arrested five more people who may be involved in the robbery.
Overall, the auditors emphasize the need to reorient funding: security and the technical modernization must become priorities for the future of the Louvre and its development by 2031.
More interesting materials:
- Two new suspects have emerged in the $102 million Louvre jewel heist, raising the total to four. The investigation continues as stolen items remain missing and security flaws are addressed.
- Ukraine and Finland strengthen business ties through the Finnish-Ukrainian Investment Fund, focusing on energy, infrastructure, and municipal projects with over €75 million funding.
- Russian missile strike severely damaged retro car exhibits at Dnipro’s Time Machines Museum, with restoration efforts underway to preserve historical vehicles.
