Louvre Museum Jewel Heist: The Shocking Details Unveiled

Mon Oct 20 2025 17:26:39 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A brazen daylight robbery at the Louvre Museum in Paris has left the nation stunned, with valuable items stolen from the iconic institution. Here's what we know about the heist.

In a shocking incident, thieves launched a well-planned robbery at the Louvre Museum, stealing priceless jewellery that once belonged to French royalty. The heist, involving power tools and a vehicle-mounted lift, has raised serious concerns about security at one of the world's most famous museums.

Louvre Museum Jewel Heist: The Shocking Details Unveiled

The Louvre Museum in Paris remains closed as investigations proceed into a brazen robbery targeting France's priceless crown jewels. Thieves, employing power tools, infiltrated the world's most visited museum in broad daylight on Sunday, escaping on scooters with eight extremely valuable items of jewellery.

How did the theft unfold?

The robbery transpired between 09:30 and 09:40 local time, shortly after the museum opened for visitors. A group of four thieves utilized a vehicle-mounted mechanical lift to access the Galerie d'Apollon, entering through a balcony close to the River Seine.

Once inside, two of the thieves cut through glass panes with a disc cutter and threatened guards, leading to an evacuation of the premises. Preliminary reports indicate that one-third of the rooms in the robbed area lacked CCTV cameras, raising serious questions about security protocols.

What jewels were stolen?

The thieves made off with eight items, including diadems, necklaces, and earrings, all from the 19th century. Among them were pieces that belonged to Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III, and Empress Marie Louise, featuring a tiara featuring intricate designs set with emeralds, pearls, and diamonds.

Two items, including Empress Eugénie's crown, were reportedly found near the museum, presumably abandoned in the chaos of the escape.

Calls for better security

The incident has sparked outrage from French officials, with President Emmanuel Macron labeling the theft as an attack on our history. Critics have called the event intolerable and emphasized the need for immediate improvements in security measures at the museum.

When will the Louvre reopen?

The museum announced it would remain closed while investigations are ongoing, with visitors receiving refunds for booked tickets. As of now, no scheduled reopening date has been provided.

Have similar thefts happened before?

The Louvre is no stranger to high-profile thefts; in 1911, the Mona Lisa was stolen by an employee and only returned after two years. More recently, a surge in thefts has targeted French museums, prompting renewed calls for improved security measures at cultural institutions.