Louvre Heist Shakes France: A Detailed Overview

Mon Oct 20 2025 17:17:37 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

An audacious jewel theft at the Louvre Museum has left the nation in shock, prompting inquiries into security protocols as priceless artifacts are stolen in broad daylight.

On October 20, 2025, a well-coordinated heist at the Louvre Museum saw thieves steal prized jewels from the gallery. Despite the museum's high-profile status and security measures, the thieves used sophisticated tactics to evade detection. While security investigations are ongoing, the cultural and emotional impact of the theft reverberates across France.

The Louvre Museum in Paris is still closed on Monday while police investigate a brazen heist that targeted France's priceless crown jewels.

Thieves wielding power tools broke into the world's most visited museum in broad daylight, before escaping on scooters with eight extremely valuable items of jewellery.

Here is what we know about the crime which has stunned France.

How did the theft unfold?

The robbery happened on Sunday between 09:30 and 09:40 local time, shortly after the museum opened to visitors.

Four thieves used a vehicle-mounted mechanical lift to gain access to the Galerie d'Apollon (Gallery of Apollo) via a balcony close to the River Seine. Pictures from the scene showed a vehicle-mounted ladder leading up to a first-floor window.

Two of the thieves cut through glass panes with a battery-powered disc cutter and entered the museum, then threatened guards to evacuate the premises and stole items from two display cases. A preliminary report indicated that a third of the rooms in the area raided had no CCTV coverage.

What jewels were stolen?

Authorities reported that eight items were stolen, including diadems, necklaces, earrings, and brooches, all from the 19th century and associated with French royalty or imperial rulers. Notably, items belonging to Empress Eugenie and Empress Marie Louise were taken.

Stolen items include:

A tiara and brooch belonging to Empress Eugénie
An emerald necklace and earrings from Empress Marie Louise
A range of items from the sapphire set of Queen Marie-Amelie

Two of the stolen pieces, including Empress Eugénie's crown, were found nearby, dropped during the escape.

Impact and Reactions

France's culture minister expressed outrage over the heist, emphasizing the emotional toll on the nation. Various political leaders condemned the robbery, framing it as an attack on French heritage.

As investigations continue, around 60 detectives are involved, analyzing CCTV footage while survey reports indicate the heist reflects a troubling trend of secure cultural institutions being targeted with increasing audacity.

When will the Louvre reopen?

The Louvre remains closed as investigations persist. Communications indicate that visitors with pre-booked tickets will receive refunds. The museum could potentially reopen as early as Wednesday.

Have similar thefts happened before?

Historically, the Louvre has faced security breaches, including the theft of the Mona Lisa in 1911 and various art pieces across the decades, prompting fierce calls for improved security measures.