Redazione RHC : 16 November 2025 16:06
Louvre security is under fire again after pranksters managed to trick guards and hang their painting in the same room as the Mona Lisa.
Belgian duo Neel and Senne gained online notoriety by smuggling one of their paintings into the museum . The painting ended up in the same room as Leonardo da Vinci’s masterpiece, and for some time remained hidden from museum staff.
According to regulations, bringing artwork or antiques into the Louvre is strictly prohibited, and visitors are subjected to thorough checks via metal detectors . However, Neil and Senne managed to circumvent the system: they made a picture frame out of plastic LEGO bricks , thus avoiding suspicion during security checks.
The incident occurred just weeks after a daring theft: on October 19, men disguised as construction workers stole eight jewels from the French Crown Collection. Their value is estimated at approximately €88 million.
Following the theft, questions have been raised about the museum’s commitment to security. French media noted that experts have been raising concerns about vulnerabilities in its security system for over a decade. One of the most high-profile incidents involved the use of the password “LOUVRE” for the video surveillance server in 2014. It is unclear whether all these issues had been fully resolved at the time of the recent theft.
A report published last week by the French Court of Auditors concluded that from 2018 to 2024, the Louvre prioritized “highly visible and attractive” projects to the detriment of infrastructure maintenance, repairs, and security improvements. This criticism is particularly strong following both the robbery and the viral prank.
This isn’t the first time Neel and Senne have demonstrated how to use disguise and self-confidence to gain entry to inaccessible places. Earlier this year, they made headlines for sneaking into the Champions League final for free by posing as construction workers. The Louvre incident only reinforced the impression that even the most famous and secure venues aren’t always prepared for unusual scenarios.
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