Thefts at French museums: The government requires that “most vulnerable” works be secured

Barely nine months after the unusual burglary at the Apollo Gallery in the Louvre Museum on October 19, 2025, the theft of a gold necklace from the Vix Treasure has prompted a call to strengthen security measures surrounding France’s cultural heritage.

This recent theft “once again underscores the need to strengthen security at heritage sites,” states the Ministry of Culture.

To address the security lapses brought to light by these events, the French government has decided to implement a plan comprising 33 measures based on work conducted by the General Directorate of Heritage and Architecture. The plan will be complemented by a proposed bill sponsored by Representative Alexandre Portier.

Increasingly prevalent violence

This roadmap includes mapping the most vulnerable sites, enhancing staff training, and implementing “mandatory museum inspections”—conducted at random—by security advisors from the Ministry of Culture.

“Violence has intensified; we must address it on a daily basis, and this has become imperative—which was not the case twenty years ago,” emphasizes Minister Catherine Pégard. Faced with a growing threat, the government is therefore emphasizing the need to protect and secure the “most vulnerable” works of art. While refusing to replace originals with copies—a move she says she is “not in favor of”—the minister is keeping the details of the removal of certain objects strictly confidential for security reasons.