Thieves steal jewels; Louvre museum temporarily closed
Thieves executed a heist at the Louvre, stealing valuable jewels and closing the museum. An investigation is underway, and one jewel has been recovered.
Thieves stole priceless jewels
Heist took place at the Louvre
Under 4 minutes to execute heist
One jewel recovered near museum
Investigation launched by Paris authorities
No injuries reported during incident
Police cordoned off the area
On the morning of October 19, 2025, thieves broke into the Louvre Museum in Paris during its opening hours and stole priceless jewels from the French crown jewels collection. The incident led to the museum being closed for the entire day for “exceptional reasons”.[1][3][9]
How the Heist Happened
The thieves used a freight elevator under renovation to access the second-floor Apollo Gallery, where part of the French Crown Jewels are displayed.[4][9]
They broke a window using a disc cutter or chainsaw-like tools to enter the gallery.[9][4]
Approximately 3 to 4 masked thieves were involved.[10][4]
The robbery lasted around 4 to 7 minutes, with no injuries reported.[1][4]
The thieves fled on motor scooters after stealing the jewels.[4][9]
One stolen crown, believed to belong to Empress Eugénie, was recovered outside the museum but was broken.[4]
Items Stolen
Multiple pieces from the jewelry collection of Napoleon and the Empress were taken.[10][4]
The stolen items have both inestimable historical and heritage value beyond market price.[4]
Museum Response and Investigation
The Louvre was evacuated to preserve evidence and closed for the day.[1][4]
French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez and Culture Minister Rachida Dati are overseeing investigations onsite.[3][1][4]
Paris public prosecutor’s office has launched an investigation into organized theft and criminal conspiracy.[4]
A detailed list of stolen items is being compiled.[4]
Context and Significance
The Louvre houses over 33,000 works, including internationally renowned masterpieces like the “Mona Lisa”.[9][4]
The Apollo Gallery contains historic jewels and hardstone vessels carved from precious minerals such as jade and rock crystal
The museum rarely closes except during wars, pandemics, or strikes, highlighting the gravity of the event .
Related Incidents
A recent theft at the National Museum of Natural History in Paris involved gold samples worth around $700,000.
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