Louvre Museum Hit by Daring Jewelry Heist, Napoleon-Era Jewels Stolen

Brazen Daylight Robbery Shuts Down Iconic Louvre

The world-renowned Louvre Museum in Paris, France, was forced to close its doors on Sunday, October 19, 2025, following a sophisticated jewelry heist. Thieves, reportedly armed with chainsaws and utilizing a freight elevator, breached the museum's security to steal an estimated nine pieces of priceless jewelry from the Apollo Gallery. The audacious operation, which lasted approximately seven minutes, has prompted a major police investigation and raised significant concerns about security at one of the globe's most visited cultural institutions.

Intrusion Method and Target

According to initial reports, the perpetrators gained entry to the museum through the facade facing the Seine River, an area currently undergoing construction. They reportedly used a basket lift or freight elevator to reach the targeted section. Once inside, the thieves employed chainsaws or a disc cutter to break through glass displays in the Apollo Gallery, which houses a selection of the French Crown Jewels and other royal regalia. French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez stated that the panes were cut 'with a disc cutter,' indicating a highly professional approach.

The primary target was the collection of jewels once belonging to Napoleon and Empress Joséphine, with reports also mentioning items from Empress Eugénie. The stolen items are described as having 'inestimable heritage and historical value,' with their exact monetary worth still being assessed.

Investigation Underway and Initial Findings

French Culture Minister Rachida Dati confirmed the incident on social media, stating, 'A robbery took place this morning at the opening of the Louvre Museum.' She was present at the scene as investigations commenced. Interior Minister Nuñez characterized the event as a 'major robbery,' suggesting it was carried out by an 'experienced team' that had 'done scouting.'

Police sources indicate that an unknown number of thieves, possibly three or four individuals, arrived on scooters or motorcycles and used them as their getaway vehicles. No injuries were reported among museum staff or the public during the heist.

Partial Recovery and Security Questions

In a significant development, one of the stolen jewels, believed to be Empress Eugénie's crown, was reportedly found damaged outside the museum. This partial recovery offers a potential lead for investigators. The incident has inevitably sparked a debate regarding the security measures in place at the Louvre, a global symbol of French culture. Interior Minister Nuñez acknowledged 'a great vulnerability' in French museums, indicating a broader issue. The Louvre, which welcomes millions of visitors annually, announced its closure for the day 'for exceptional reasons,' with police sealing off the area and evacuating visitors.