The Louvre Museum had not identified theft as a potential security risk in its strategic planning documents, according to leaked information that has emerged following a damning audit by France's Court of Accounts. The revelation comes as the world's most visited museum faces intense scrutiny over its security protocols after a recent break-in at the Apollo Gallery.

According to RTL, the museum's management issued a provisional version of its performance and objectives contract for the next four years in early September. In the security section of this comprehensive document, theft was never mentioned as a potential risk that the institution should prepare for or address.

On Thursday, November 6, the Court of Accounts released a highly critical report on the Louvre's management practices. The audit severely criticized the museum's leadership for having "prioritized visible and attractive operations" at the expense of security measures. The court's findings highlighted a fundamental misalignment in the museum's priorities, suggesting that public appeal and visitor experience had taken precedence over protecting the world's most valuable art collection.

Museum officials responded to the audit by stating they understood the recommendations from the Court of Accounts, commonly referred to as "the Sages of Rue Cambon." However, they also argued that the auditors lacked a complete understanding of their security efforts and initiatives. Despite these defensive statements, additional leaked documents appear to contradict the museum's claims about security awareness.

The leaked performance contract, spanning 87 pages, was originally scheduled for adoption during the board meeting on November 27. However, the break-in at the Apollo Gallery occurred before this meeting could take place, fundamentally changing the security landscape and priorities for the institution.

Culture Minister Rachida Dati has now ordered an emergency board meeting to address the security crisis. This extraordinary session demonstrates the government's serious concern about the museum's security vulnerabilities and the need for immediate action.

The provisional contract reveals telling details about the museum's security planning priorities. While the document did acknowledge and plan for several security threats, including cyberattacks, ticket fraud, and activist actions, it completely overlooked the possibility of physical theft from the galleries. This oversight is particularly striking given that the Louvre houses some of the world's most valuable and irreplaceable artworks.

Interestingly, the contract did include provisions for security improvements, but the timeline was problematic. The document outlined plans for renovating the video surveillance system and upgrading anti-intrusion devices, but these critical security enhancements were not scheduled to begin until 2026. This delayed timeline now appears inadequate given recent events.

An emergency board meeting has been scheduled for Friday, November 7, at the direct order of Culture Minister Rachida Dati. During this extraordinary session, urgent security measures will be announced in response to the break-in that occurred on October 19. The timing of this emergency response underscores the severity of the security gaps that have been exposed at one of the world's most prestigious cultural institutions.