Culture minister Catherine Pégard reveals ‘national security plan’ following another major museum theft in France

The French Ministry of Culture has announced a new national security plan following a series of high-profile thefts at museums across the country. Culture Minister Catherine Pégard introduced the initiative this week after thieves targeted multiple cultural sites, including the recent theft of the Lady of Vix collar from the Musée du Pays Châtillonnais.

Over the next three years, the government will allocate €30m to bolster security infrastructure at museums, churches, and monuments identified as high-risk. This effort follows a mapping project that designated more than 3,100 sites as sensitive areas. The plan includes 33 specific security measures designed to modernize facility protection and improve staff training.

Recent incidents have prompted significant debate regarding the display of precious artifacts. While some officials suggest using high-quality replicas for vulnerable items, the Ministry remains committed to keeping original pieces on display where possible. Pégard noted that while absolute security is impossible to guarantee, museums must adapt their defensive measures to the specific needs of their local environments.

The string of robberies began in late 2025 with the theft of the French crown jewels from the Louvre. Since then, burglaries have affected institutions such as the Lalique Museum and the Musée du Hiéron. Authorities are now focused on balancing public access to historical treasures with the urgent requirement to prevent further criminal activity.