In the Museum, it makes fragile the “fundamental mission” of sharing “the common heritage of humanity”, without turning into “treasures”, directors of 57 major international museums estimate in an article published today in the French newspaper Le Monde.
“With this theft, it is not only the Louvre that is under attack, but the museums themselves in their most fundamental mission: to share with the greatest number of people the common heritage of humanity,” write the directors of the Metropolitan Museum (Met) in New York, the Picasso Museum in Paris, the National Gallery in London or the Mori Art Museum in Tokyo.
The risks
As they report, , in which eight French Crown Jewels were stolen, represents “one of the greatest fears of museum professionals”.
“These risks weigh on each of our institutions. They weigh down every work of art from the moment it is exhibited,” the signatories write.
“Our institutions are not immune to the brutality of the world. They are facing increasingly violent acts today,” they also report.
However, these museum directors assure that museums must remain places open to the outside world.
“Museums are neither fortresses nor treasuries. By creating a safe environment for art and its audience, they find a reason to exist in their openness and accessibility,” say the signatories of the article, who offer their “most sincere support” to the president and director of the Louvre, Laurence de Carre, who is in the spotlight after the burglary.
“The leadership and (…) its dedication to the mission of the museum, especially as a place of consensus within our so fragmented societies, are greatly respected and admired,” they write.
At the forefront of the investigation, two men have been detained in France on suspicion of being part of the group of four burglars. The stolen goods have not yet been found.
