With the help of both technology and a security team, museums are able to preserve history on their grounds around the clock by ensuring that their artifacts are protected.
According to ABC News, four thieves broke into the Louvre on October 19, 2025, during the day.
The thieves managed to get away with eight pieces of jewelry.
The Louvre has numerous security protocols in place.
According to the Louvre’s website, visitors must “undergo the security checks” at the entrances of the museums, which consist of metal detectors and bag checks.
Social studies teacher Nicole Harner believes “human error” was the cause of the Louvre robbery.
“If there is any lack in security at a museum or anywhere, it is because of human fault at this point in time,” Harner said. “They were told to upgrade their security systems, and they did not.”
For the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia, a strong security system is essential.
“You cannot replace what is inside these museums,” Director of Building Operations Stephen Walsh said.
Despite being heavily secured and monitored, artifacts also have to be handled with extreme care to keep them in modest condition.
“We have the original tent that George Washington used during the Revolutionary War,” Walsh said. “If you did not have people to watch out for it, make sure the lighting and temperature are right for it, it would literally disintegrate.”
Security can look different for each establishment, but for the Museum of the American Revolution, community relationships, good “internal” security systems and a good security staff are crucial for the protection of the museum’s artifacts.
“Throughout the day, we do different patrols to make sure all the artifacts are good, [look for] any issues with cases,” Walsh said.
On the technological end, cameras and alarms need to be updated constantly.
“Just on the technology end,” Walsh said, “it changes every couple of years.”
Harner said technology does sometimes fail, which is what makes having two elements important. “You need, for instance, cameras,” Harner said, “but you also need security guards walking the premises.”