Three weeks following the audacious theft of €88 million worth of jewels from the Louvre, the museum faces severe criticism for its neglect of security measures. A report by the Court of Auditors, prepared prior to the heist, revealed that for years, the Louvre prioritized acquiring new artworks and enhancing exhibition spaces over essential maintenance and security upgrades. The theft, which occurred in broad daylight on October 19, saw thieves using an angle-grinder to break into display cases in the Apollo Gallery, making off with priceless jewels once owned by 19th-century queens and empresses. The report highlighted that between 2018 and 2024, the Louvre spent €105.4 million on new acquisitions and €63.5 million on exhibition spaces, while allocating only €26.7 million to maintenance and €59.5 million to the restoration of the palace building. This imbalance has drawn sharp criticism from figures like Culture Minister Rachida Dati and art expert Didier Rykner, who accused the museum of favoring ‘eye-catching initiatives’ over fundamental security. The incident has also cast doubt on the Louvre’s ambitious New Renaissance project, which aims to expand the museum’s facilities but has been criticized for lacking proper feasibility studies. The Louvre has acknowledged most of the court’s recommendations but defended its long-term vision. Meanwhile, one of the suspected thieves, Abdoulaye N, a former guard at the Center Pompidou, has been identified, with French media suggesting the heist may have been orchestrated by a wealthy third party. The investigation continues as authorities search for the missing jewels and the fourth suspect.