In one of the most audacious art crimes in recent history, the Louvre Museum in Paris was the target of a broad-daylight heist that saw eight pieces of priceless royal jewellery stolen from its prestigious Galerie d’Apollon. The incident, which took place on the morning of October 20, 2025, has shocked France, prompted international headlines, and raised serious questions about museum security and cultural heritage protection.
How the Heist Unfolded
- At 9:30 AM, shortly after opening to the public, four masked thieves arrived at the Louvre using a vehicle-mounted lift, giving them access to a first-floor balcony near the River Seine.
- Two of them entered the museum by cutting through a window with power tools.
- Once inside, they quickly overpowered security guards, who evacuated the area, and proceeded to smash display cases containing the French Crown Jewels. The entire operation lasted only four minutes—by 9:38 AM, the thieves had escaped on two waiting scooters.
- Notably, a preliminary report revealed that one-third of rooms in the raided area had no CCTV surveillance, and localised alarms were reportedly non-functional at the time of the break-in.
What Was Stolen?
The gang stole eight high-value pieces, all dating back to the 19th century, and once owned by French royalty,
- A tiara and brooch belonging to Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III
- An emerald necklace and earrings from Empress Marie Louise
- A tiara, necklace, and single earring from the sapphire set of Queen Marie-Amelie and Queen Hortense
- A reliquary brooch, a rare ceremonial item
These items are adorned with thousands of diamonds, emeralds, sapphires, and gold. One of the most symbolic items—Empress Eugénie’s crown—was later found damaged and discarded near the museum, suggesting it was dropped during the escape.
Who Is Behind the Theft?
- Authorities suspect the heist was commissioned by an organised criminal network. France’s interior minister described the theft as one of “immeasurable heritage loss.” Approximately 60 investigators are working the case, reviewing CCTV footage from nearby areas and interviewing witnesses.
- The robbers attempted to burn their vehicle post-theft but were interrupted by a museum employee, an act that may have preserved critical forensic evidence.
- Minister of Culture Rachida Dati confirmed that while the museum’s main alarms activated, the localised alarm system in the Galerie d’Apollon was likely disabled or malfunctioning—a lapse under scrutiny as investigations unfold.
Political Fallout and Public Reaction
- The theft has triggered national outrage. French President Emmanuel Macron called it an “attack on our history”, while opposition leaders described it as a “humiliation” and “wound to the French soul.”
- Natalie Goulet, a member of the Senate finance committee, questioned how such a “well-orchestrated theft” could occur so easily in one of the most visited and prestigious institutions in the world.
- This incident has reignited debates around museum funding and security. The Louvre had previously requested financial aid to modernize exhibition spaces and reinforce security infrastructure, a need underscored by this breach.
Security History and Comparisons
The Louvre is no stranger to art theft. Most famously, in 1911, the Mona Lisa was stolen by an Italian employee and recovered two years later. But recent years have seen an uptick in museum robberies across France,
- November 2024: Seven valuable items were stolen from the Cognacq-Jay Museum, with only five recovered.
- Same month: Armed robbers raided the Hieron Museum in Burgundy, escaping with millions in art.
- September 2025: Thieves stole €9.5 million worth of porcelain from the Adrien Dubouché Museum in Limoges.
These incidents point to a wider pattern of museum vulnerability, especially against sophisticated criminal networks targeting high-value cultural assets.
Can the Jewels Be Recovered?
- Experts warn that retrieving the items may prove difficult. Art crime specialists believe the jewels may be dismantled, with metals melted and stones recut or sold individually to avoid detection.
- Chris Marinello, CEO of Art Recovery International, said, “They’re not going to keep them intact. These items will be broken up, melted down, and scattered.”
- With this in mind, French authorities are in a race against time to recover the jewels before they disappear into the global black market.
What Happens Next?
- The Louvre remains closed as police investigations continue. Visitors with reservations are being automatically refunded, and security around the museum remains tight. If cleared, the earliest reopening could occur on Wednesday, as the museum is routinely closed on Tuesdays.
- Meanwhile, the “New Renaissance” Louvre redesign project, which includes reinforced security measures and is estimated to cost up to €800 million, is expected to gain new urgency.