Louvre Director Laurence des Cars stated during a Senate committee hearing (the upper chamber of the French Parliament) that the museum has an insufficient number of surveillance cameras.

“The weakness of our perimeter security system is obvious,” des Cars said, in remarks broadcast on the Senate’s website.

She pointed out a “critical shortage of cameras” and “serious issues concerning security guards.” Des Cars, who previously headed the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, emphasized that upon taking office in 2021, she noticed security problems at the Louvre. She also noted that she was surprised by the contrast in security between the Louvre and the Musée d’Orsay.

“I am aware of the weakness in the protection around the Louvre,” she said.