In a brazen daylight heist, thieves broke into the Louvre Museum in Paris on Sunday, stealing eight priceless pieces of historic jewelry from the Apollo Gallery. The meticulously planned robbery, which took just minutes to execute, has sparked a major police investigation and raised serious questions about museum security.
The theft occurred on the morning of October 19, 2025, between 9:30 and 9:40 AM local time, shortly after the museum opened to visitors. Four thieves used a vehicle-mounted mechanical lift to access a first-floor window from the River Seine bankside. They cut through glass panes with a battery-powered disc cutter and entered the Galerie d’Apollon, where they threatened security guards and forced an evacuation of the premises. The entire operation was swift and calculated, with the thieves dressed in construction attire to blend in.
Inside the gallery, the thieves targeted two glass display cases, smashing them open and seizing the jewelry in a matter of six to seven minutes. They then fled the scene on two waiting scooters, leaving behind their equipment, including the angle grinder and the lift. Police arrived promptly, but the perpetrators had already escaped, and investigators are now studying CCTV footage from the escape route to trace their movements. The French interior minister described the team as “experienced” and well-organized.
The stolen items include eight pieces of immense historical and cultural value, all from the 19th century and associated with French royalty. Key items are a tiara and brooch belonging to Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III; an emerald necklace and a pair of earrings given by Napoleon to his wife Marie Louise; and a sapphire set including a tiara, necklace, and single earring from queens Marie-Amelie and Hortense. Additionally, a reliquary brooch was taken. The tiara of Empress Eugénie, for instance, is covered in 1,354 diamonds and 56 emeralds, highlighting the extravagance of the era.
Fortunately, two items, including Empress Eugénie’s crown, were found near the museum, apparently dropped during the escape. Authorities are examining them for any damage. The French culture ministry described the stolen jewels as “priceless” and of “inestimable heritage value,” emphasizing that their loss represents a significant blow to France’s cultural heritage and national identity. Experts warn that the jewels are likely to be broken up and sold for raw materials in illicit markets.
The heist has prompted strong reactions from French officials and the public. President Emmanuel Macron called it “an attack on our history,” while Culture Minister Rachida Dati noted that the thieves appeared “calm” and well-prepared. Opposition leaders, such as Jordan Bardella of the National Rally, labeled the robbery an “intolerable humiliation” for the country, reflecting widespread outrage and calls for accountability.
This incident underscores ongoing security concerns at the Louvre. Recent reports indicated that one in three rooms in the affected area lacked CCTV cameras, and local alarms were reportedly broken or disactivated. The museum has faced criticism for aging infrastructure, and earlier this year, Macron pledged a major renovation project, the New Renaissance, expected to cost up to €800 million, to improve security, visitor facilities, and art conservation.
As the investigation continues, with around 60 officers involved, the focus is on recovering the stolen items and apprehending the four suspects. The event highlights persistent threats to cultural heritage globally and the urgent need for enhanced protection measures. In the coming days, authorities aim to strengthen security protocols and learn from this episode to prevent future incidents.