PARIS (AP) — The home of the “Mona Lisa” is getting a new boss. Art historian Christophe Leribault, a veteran museum director, is taking over at the Louvre, shouldering the challenge of getting the world’s largest museumout of crisisafter thebrazen heistin October of the Frenchcrown jewels.
French government spokeswoman Maud Bregeon announced Wednesday that Leribault is taking over from outgoing Louvre directorLaurence des Cars, whoresigned Tuesday.
The difficulties he inherits are formidable.
The daylight robbery — among thehighest-profile museum theftsin living memory — exposedalarming security holesat the Paris landmark.
The former royal palace has also suffered a broad array of other problems that have presented a picture of a treasured national institution spiraling out of control.
They include a burst pipe near the “Mona Lisa,” water leaks that damaged priceless books,aging buildings, staff walkouts over overcrowding, understaffing andticket price hikesfor most non-European visitors.
Pressure for new leadership deepened in recent weeks when authorities revealed a suspecteddecade-long ticket fraudoperation linked to the museum that investigators say may have cost the Louvre 10 million euros ($11.8 million).
Leribault brings a proven track record. He has been running another world-renowned French landmark and tourist attraction, the Versailles Palace, overseeing an annual budget of about 170 million euros ($200 million). The former palace for French royalty west of Paris was the venue forOlympic equestrian sportswhen Paris hostedthe summer games in 2024.
Leribault also is a previous head ofParis’ Orsay Museum.
“He will be tasked with leading important projects that are crucial for the institution’s future,” Bregeon said as she announced Leribault’s appointment at the Louvre.
Source: Fast Company
