Daring Daytime Heist at Louvre: Thieves Steal ‘Priceless’ Crown Jewels, Museum Closed

PARIS – The Louvre Museum, the world’s most visited art institution, was dramatically forced to close on Sunday after a brazen daylight heist targeted and made off with items from France’s royal past, described by authorities as having “incalculable” value.

The theft occurred between 09:30 and 09:40 local time, shortly after the museum opened. Investigators believe three or four masked suspects carried out the “very, very fast” raid, which was over in a matter of minutes.

How the Heist Unfolded

The thieves executed a highly professional, well-prepared operation. According to preliminary findings:

The suspects used a mechanical, vehicle-mounted ladder to gain access to a first-floor window near the River Seine, allowing them to reach the Galerie d’Apollon (Gallery of Apollo) balcony.

They then used a power tool, such as an angle grinder or chainsaw, to cut through the gallery’s glass panes.

Culture Minister Rachida Dati told TF1 that CCTV footage showed the robbers entering “calmly” and smashing display cases containing the jewels. Dati noted there was “no violence, very professional,” and no one was injured.

The suspects fled the scene on scooters, a maneuver Dati described as part of their “experienced” plan.

Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez emphasized the swiftness of the operation on France Inter radio. Police are currently reviewing CCTV footage of the escape route.

What Was Stolen?

While French authorities have not confirmed a full inventory of the stolen items, the targeted wing houses jewels and riches from France’s royal history, including items related to Napoleon III.

Nuñez described the stolen artifacts as “priceless” and “of immeasurable heritage value.”

One item, possibly the crown of Empress Eugénie (wife of Napoleon III), was reportedly found outside the museum, believed to have been dropped during the thieves’ escape, according to Le Parisien newspaper.

Le Parisien also reported that the gallery’s centerpiece, the 140-carat Regent Diamond, was not stolen.

BFM reported that a second cabinet containing other regal treasures may have been targeted as well.

History of Louvre Security Breaches

The audacious nature of the crime has stunned France and brings back memories of past high-profile thefts. The most famous was the 1911 theft of the Mona Lisa by a museum employee, which led to a major overhaul of security years before the painting was recovered.

The incident is the latest in a recent wave of thefts targeting French museums, including:

A break-in last month at the Adrien Dubouche Museum in Limoges, where porcelain works worth a reported €9.5 million were stolen.

A November 2024 raid on the Hieron Museum in Burgundy, where armed robbers escaped with millions of pounds worth of artwork after firing shots.

The Louvre remains closed as police continue their investigation into the breach that has exposed significant security lapses at the prestigious site.