A dramatic jewelry heist occurred on the morning of October 19, 2025, at the Louvre Museum in Paris. Thieves executed their plan in broad daylight, employing a basket lift to access a window. Once inside, they shattered display cases and made off with valuable jewelry.
Details of the Bold Heist
The robbery transpired around 9:30 a.m., just after the museum opened its doors to visitors. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez described the operation as highly organized, taking only seven minutes. The thieves reportedly used a disc cutter to break through the glass cases housing the jewelry.
This audacious act unfolded at the Galerie d’Apollon, an area displaying selections from the French Crown Jewels. Tourists were present inside the museum, and it had to be shut down immediately following the theft to allow investigations to commence.
Response and Investigation
The French Culture Minister, Rachida Dati, characterized the incident as the work of “professionals.” A thorough investigation is now underway, with authorities compiling a detailed inventory of the stolen items. The stolen jewelry holds considerable heritage and historical significance.
- The thieves entered through the Seine-facing facade during ongoing construction.
- They used a freight elevator to reach their target.
- Among the stolen items were nine pieces from Napoleon and Empress Eugénie’s collection.
One of the stolen jewels is believed to be Empress Eugénie’s crown, which was later found outside the museum, albeit damaged.
Security Measures Under Scrutiny
This incident has reignited discussions on security protocols at the Louvre. The museum previously experienced staffing issues, which prompted the temporary closure during the summer due to protests over overcrowding. Although security around marquee works, such as the Mona Lisa, remains rigorous, this theft raises questions about overall safety measures.
Historical Context of Museum Thefts
The Louvre is not a stranger to theft. Notorious incidents include the 1911 heist of the Mona Lisa by Vincenzo Peruggia. Other recent European museum robberies include the theft of royal jewels in Dresden in 2019 and a gold coin theft in Berlin in 2017. The current heist at the Louvre mirrors these audacious acts, highlighting ongoing vulnerabilities in museum security.
The Louvre, housing over 33,000 works of art and drawing around 30,000 visitors daily, remains a prime target for thieves. Authorities are determined to enhance security and recover the stolen items to protect the museum’s invaluable heritage.
