The Louvre Museum in Paris experienced a high-profile robbery on Sunday, October 19, 2025. This daylight heist targeted priceless French crown jewels displayed in the Galerie d’Apollon, known as Apollo’s Gallery. The theft unfolded rapidly and has raised widespread concern about security at the world’s most visited museum.
The Heist Timeline and Method
The robbery occurred at approximately 9:30 a.m. local time, shortly after the museum opened its doors to visitors. Three or four masked thieves executed the heist within four to seven minutes, using motor scooters for a swift escape. They gained access via a first-floor window adjacent to the River Seine, utilising a mechanical lift and breaking glass panes to enter. The culprits wore high-visibility vests, disguising themselves as workers, and brought along power tools such as angle grinders or small chainsaws to cut through the protective glass cases.
Officials confirmed the thieves moved precisely and calmly, shattering display cases containing the crown jewels before fleeing. They escaped on scooters, heading toward the main autoroute out of Paris. The entire incident took place rapidly, without any reported injuries.
The robbers targeted French crown jewels displayed in the Galerie d’Apollon
Items Stolen and Condition
The stolen items include eight jewels of enormous historical and cultural significance. Among them were pieces from the Maria Amalia of Naples and Sicily and the Hortense de Beauharnais sets, including a tiara, a necklace, and an earring. The robbers also took an emerald necklace and matching earrings linked to Empress Marie-Louise, Napoleon Bonaparte’s second wife. Additional items included a reliquary brooch, a large corsage-bow brooch of Empress Eugénie de Montijo, and her diadem.
One notably famous item, the Crown of Empress Eugénie, was dropped outside the museum during the escape, found broken but recovered. This crown features over a thousand diamonds and emeralds. The Regent Diamond, one of the collection’s most renowned jewels, remained untouched during the incident.
The tiara worn by the Empress Eugenie, wife of Napoleon III
Museum Closure and Security Response
Following the robbery, the Louvre immediately evacuated visitors and closed for the rest of the day due to “extraordinary reasons.” Law enforcement agencies quickly cordoned off the museum and secured its entrances, including the iconic glass pyramid. Armed soldiers guarded the site as police launched an extensive manhunt and investigation.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez described the theft as a “significant robbery” involving jewels of “immeasurable” cultural and historical value. French Culture Minister Rachida Dati stated the robbers appeared “experienced” and employed a well-planned escape strategy. Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage and have recovered equipment abandoned near the scene, such as a high-visibility vest and other tools.
Government and Public Reaction
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed outrage on social media, calling the incident an “assault on a heritage we hold dear.” He assured the public that justice would be pursued vigorously and emphasised ongoing efforts led by Paris prosecutors to resolve the case. Public reactions ranged from disbelief to concern about museum security and the protection of national treasures.
Background Context
The Louvre is renowned for its vast art and historical artefacts collection, attracting millions of visitors annually. Theft incidences at the museum are rare due to stringent security measures. The most notorious theft remains the 1911 disappearance of the Mona Lisa, which was recovered two years later. This event marks the most significant heist since 1998 when a painting was stolen. The robbers took advantage of ongoing renovations and used sophisticated means to overcome protections at the gallery housing the crown jewels.
Experts note that stolen historic jewels typically face challenges being resold due to their uniqueness and traceability, suggesting the items may not reappear publicly. The Louvre’s reputation and security protocols are now under global scrutiny as authorities seek to prevent similar incidents.
The notorious theft of Mona Lisa in 1911
Summary of Key Facts and Figures
- Heist duration: 4 to 7 minutes
- Number of thieves: 3 to 4
- Time of theft: About 9:30 a.m. on 19 October 2025
- Items stolen: 8 jewels, including tiara, necklaces, earrings, brooches, and diadem
- Notably abandoned item: Crown of Empress Eugénie (broken and recovered)
- Escape mode: Motor scooters
- Entry method: Mechanical lift and window break-in
- Museum closure: Closed for the day post-incident
The incident underscores the vulnerability even of prestigious cultural sites and the importance of continuous improvement in security planning and emergency response.
The Louvre Museum heist continues to be a subject of extensive investigation and discussion worldwide as law enforcement pursues the perpetrators and works to recover the stolen treasures. The event signals a rare, bold breach at one of the world’s most iconic institutions and highlights the need to safeguard priceless heritage for future generations.
