One of the world’s most famous museums, The Louvre, has been forced to close after masked thieves stole priceless royal jewels in what authorities are calling one of the most audacious heists in France’s history.
According to French police, four suspects used a mechanical lift and power tools to break into the museum’s Galerie d’Apollon (Gallery of Apollo) early Sunday morning, shortly after the museum opened at 9:30 am. Within just seven minutes, they escaped with eight historic jewellery pieces once owned by French royalty and emperors.
Authorities said the robbers arrived in a vehicle fitted with a mechanical ladder, which they positioned against a first-floor window overlooking the River Seine. Two men cut through the glass panes using battery-powered disc cutters and entered the gallery, where they threatened security guards and smashed display cases.
The alarms were triggered immediately, and museum staff swiftly evacuated visitors and called police, following emergency procedures. Despite the rapid response, the robbers managed to flee on two scooters, disappearing into Paris’s narrow streets before law enforcement arrived.
French Culture Minister Rachida Dati described the crime as “highly professional and meticulously planned,” noting that the thieves appeared “calm and composed” throughout the robbery.
Officials confirmed that eight pieces of 19th-century jewellery were taken, including:
- A diamond tiara and brooch belonging to Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III
- An emerald necklace and earrings once owned by Empress Marie Louise
- A sapphire tiara, necklace, and earring from the collection of Queen Marie-Amélie and Queen Hortense
- A rare reliquary brooch adorned with precious stones
Each piece is described as “irreplaceable” and holds immense historical and cultural value. Two additional jewels — including Empress Eugénie’s crown — were found near the scene, apparently dropped by the thieves during their escape.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said the stolen items are of “immeasurable heritage value”, adding that forensic experts are examining recovered objects for fingerprints and DNA traces.
French authorities have launched a nationwide manhunt and are reviewing CCTV footage from the museum and surrounding areas. The Louvre remains temporarily closed to the public as investigators continue to collect evidence and assess the damage.
Witnesses described moments of “panic and confusion” as visitors were escorted out during the heist. No injuries were reported.
