- Details of the Heist’s Execution and Timeline
- The Inestimable Historical Value of the Stolen Crown Jewels
- The Immediate Response by Museum Officials and Police Investigations
- The Louvre’s Past History of High-Profile Thefts
The world-renowned Louvre museum in Paris was forced to close on a Sunday following a major, seven-minute heist in the Apollo Gallery, resulting in the theft of valuable crown jewels. The incident occurred around 9:30 AM when several intruders used a basket lift to access the room directly, forced open a window, and subsequently broke into display cases before making their escape on two-wheelers.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez confirmed the major robbery, stating that the thieves used a disc cutter to slice through the window panes. He characterized the operation as the work of a team that had clearly conducted prior scouting. The stolen items are considered to have “inestimable” historical value, and forensic work is currently underway to compile a precise inventory.
Culture Minister Rachida Dati reported that there were no injuries during the heist, and she was on site with museum teams and the police as investigations commenced. The museum confirmed its closure for “exceptional reasons” in a post on X. The scene saw confused tourists being ushered out as officers shut down nearby streets and the museum’s gates.
Local reports indicated that nine pieces were stolen from the Napoleon and Empress’s jewelry collection, including items like a necklace, a brooch, and a tiara. However, an internal source confirmed that the collection’s largest diamond, the Regent diamond, was not taken. The same paper also reported that one stolen piece, believed to be Empress Eugénie’s crown, was later found broken outside the museum. This event adds to the Louvre’s history of thefts, including the infamous 1911 disappearance of the Mona Lisa. The current focus remains on the ongoing investigation and the recovery of the stolen historical pieces.