The director of the Louvre Museum resigned Tuesday following mounting pressure over an October theft of French crown jewels valued at 88 million euros, along with a series of operational failures at the world's most visited museum. Laurence des Cars stepped down after what President Emmanuel Macron's office described as "an act of responsibility" during a turbulent period for the institution.

The October heist saw thieves steal the crown jewels in less than eight minutes during a weekend operation that exposed significant security vulnerabilities. Several suspects were arrested, but the stolen pieces remain missing. Des Cars had initially offered to resign on the day of the robbery, but the culture minister refused her resignation at the time.

The crown jewels theft was part of a broader pattern of problems plaguing the former royal palace. In recent months, the museum has faced a burst pipe near the "Mona Lisa," water leaks damaging rare books, staff strikes over overcrowding and understaffing, and revelations of a suspected decade-long ticket fraud scheme that may have cost the institution 10 million euros. In June, a wildcat strike by security workers forced the museum to close, stranding thousands of visitors.

French government spokeswoman Maud Bregeon announced Wednesday that Christophe Leribault, current director of the Palace of Versailles, will replace des Cars. Leribault brings experience managing large cultural institutions, having overseen Versailles' annual budget of approximately 170 million euros and previously serving as head of Paris' Orsay Museum.

Leribault's appointment comes as the Louvre pursues an ambitious renovation project called "Louvre New Renaissance," unveiled by Macron in January 2025. The decade-long modernization plan includes a new entrance near the Seine River, underground spaces, and a dedicated room for the "Mona Lisa" with timed access. The project is expected to cost between 700 million and 1.15 billion euros, funded through ticket revenue, state support, donations, and income from the Louvre Abu Dhabi.

The Culture Ministry said Leribault will prioritize strengthening security and safety for the museum's buildings, collections, visitors, and staff while working to "restore a climate of trust" at the institution. His appointment signals the government's commitment to addressing the operational challenges that have threatened the reputation of France's most iconic cultural landmark.