Louvre launches security upgrade tender after heist

The Louvre has announced an open tender for major security upgrades following a dramatic jewelry theft in October, according to documents seen by RIA Novosti.

The contract covers a wide range of works under the museum’s new master security plan. Bids are due by 3 December 2025, with the contract expected to run for seven and a half years. The programme will be carried out in six phases and funded from the museum’s own budget. The tender does not specify costs or detailed tasks.

Louvre director Laurence des Cars recently confirmed the plan’s entry into force, highlighting improvements to video surveillance, which she described as one of the museum’s “weak points”.

The move comes after thieves broke into the museum on 19 October, stealing nine pieces of royal jewelry, including tiaras, earrings, necklaces and brooches once worn by French queens and empresses. A damaged crown belonging to Empress Eugénie was later recovered. The theft caused an estimated €88 million in losses. Paris prosecutor Laure Beccu said seven suspects were detained, with four later charged and three released.