The Louvre Museum in Paris was forced to close for “exceptional reasons” following a lightning-fast jewellery heist that saw a group of intruders steal eight priceless pieces from its collection. The robbery, which lasted just four minutes, has stunned the art world and prompted a large-scale police hunt in the French capital.
Security forces cordoned off the museum—home to the Mona Lisa—as armed soldiers guarded the famous glass pyramid entrance. According to officials, the thieves gained access to the Galerie d’Apollon (Apollo’s Gallery) through a window shortly after the museum opened, using a furniture lift to reach the upper floor.
The suspects escaped on motorcycles, carrying jewels from the Napoleonic era, while a ninth item was dropped during their getaway.
French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the robbery as an “attack on our cherished heritage,” pledging that the perpetrators would be swiftly brought to justice.
What Happened?
At around 9:30 a.m. local time (07:30 GMT), the thieves targeted Apollo’s Gallery—a grand, gold-adorned hall created by King Louis XIV, housing France’s crown jewels.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez described it as a “major robbery,” explaining that the group used a hoist to access the windows and fled by motorbike with “jewels of immeasurable worth.”
Visitors were quickly evacuated, and the museum announced it would remain closed for the day. Police sealed nearby streets and began reviewing security footage as part of an ongoing investigation.
Witnesses described the scene as “like a Hollywood movie,” with four suspects believed to be involved. No injuries were reported.
What Was Stolen?
The French Ministry of Culture confirmed that eight pieces were stolen from two secure display cases, including items once belonging to Empress Marie-Louise, wife of Napoleon I, and Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III.
Stolen Items:
- Tiara from Queen Marie-Amelie and Queen Hortense’s jewellery set
- Necklace from the same sapphire collection
- One sapphire earring
- Emerald necklace from the Marie-Louise collection
- Pair of emerald earrings from the same set
- “Reliquary” brooch
- Tiara of Empress Eugénie
- Large brooch of Empress Eugénie
The crown of Empress Eugénie—set with 1,354 diamonds and 56 emeralds—was recovered just outside the museum, dropped during the thieves’ escape.
Apollo’s Gallery also houses the Regent, the Sancy, and the Hortensia diamonds, along with an extensive royal gemstone collection.
Art theft expert Anthony Amore noted that these items are “priceless not only in monetary value but in cultural significance,” warning that the jewels could be dismantled and sold individually to avoid detection.
How Did the Thieves Pull It Off?
Authorities say the group used power tools, a construction hoist, and motorcycles in an operation lasting less than four minutes.
A police source told AFP that the thieves arrived on scooters with angle grinders, using a disc cutter to breach a window. A nearby cyclist reported seeing two men “break the window and enter,” describing the break-in as lasting “30 seconds.”
According to Le Parisien, the intruders accessed the museum’s Seine-facing façade, disguising themselves as construction workers in high-visibility vests.
Culture Minister Rachida Dati confirmed that security forces arrived within minutes but could not stop the rapid operation.
What Happens Next?
Police forensic teams are combing the Louvre and surrounding areas for evidence, analyzing CCTV footage from the Denon Wing and interviewing staff who were present during the incident.
Authorities emphasized that the stolen items hold “priceless heritage and historical value” beyond their financial worth.
Minister Dati described the robbers as “professionals,” adding that “organized crime today targets works of art, and museums have unfortunately become prime targets.”
Previous Louvre Incidents
The Louvre’s most notorious theft took place in 1911, when the Mona Lisa was stolen and recovered two years later. In 1956, a visitor damaged the painting by throwing a stone, leading to its placement behind bulletproof glass.
The museum has also struggled with overcrowding and staff shortages, with visitor numbers reaching 8.7 million in 2024. Recent staff walkouts over understaffing have raised concerns about museum security.
“It’s unbelievable that such a renowned museum could have such security gaps,” said Magali Cunel, a teacher from Lyon, expressing public frustration after the broad-daylight robbery.
