Louvre Museum to Add 100 External Cameras After $A157M Heist.
Louvre Museum to Add 100 External Cameras – The Louvre Museum in Paris will install an additional 100 external security cameras by the end of 2026 in response to major vulnerabilities exposed during a high-profile jewel robbery in October.
The announcement doesn’t come with the urgency you’d expect, given the value of losses in the recent burglary – $157 million. While there’s no mention of AI functionality it’s certain the upgraded solution will be monitoring its perimeter, hopefully using cameras that are not attached to the building, which would severely limit their angle of view.
It’s also likely that the password to the museum’s CCTV system, which before the burglary was simply ‘Louvre’, will be replaced with a high security authentication system.
The Louvre, which is the most visited museum in the world, will also implement additional measures, including anti-intrusion technology, anti-ram vehicle barriers on surrounding roads, and what officials have described as an advanced police station inside the museum complex to tighten coordination with local police forces.
Louvre director Laurence des Cars told a French National Assembly hearing that a full review of external surveillance revealed gaps in coverage, including no video oversight of the balcony used in the heist.
Some cameras on the exterior of the building look to be in poor condition. It’s possible they are decommissioned and have not been removed or replaced with new camera views. There has also been public criticism of the fact that some PTZ cameras were pointing the wrong way during the robbery – no surprises there.
The October 19 theft, carried out in daylight by 4 offenders, resulted in the loss of historic jewellery worth $157 million, including a tiara once worn by French Empress Eugenie. Although the offenders have been charged none of the stolen items have been recovered.
French Authorities have confirmed the incident highlighted systemic security failings, particularly in the lack of monitoring of external walls and elevated access points.
A public audit released shortly after the incident noted the museum had struggled to update its physical infrastructure due to overspending on art acquisitions. The report by France’s Cour des Comptes found security investment had not kept pace with the site’s growing operational needs.
You can learn more about The Louvre’s exhibitions here or read more SEN news here.
“Louvre Museum to Add 100 External Cameras After $A157M Heist.”
