PARIS (AP) — A daring heist took place at the iconic Louvre Museum on Sunday morning, as thieves utilized a basket lift to gain entry, forcing open a window and shattering display cases. France's interior minister confirmed that the robbers made off with jewels of “inestimable value,” prompting the museum to close its doors for the day while authorities conducted an investigation.
Culture Minister Rachida Dati took to social media, stating, “A robbery took place this morning at the opening of the Louvre Museum.” The museum cited “exceptional reasons” for its abrupt closure. Fortunately, no injuries were reported during this brazen theft.
According to the Interior Ministry, the incident unfolded around 9:30 a.m. when several intruders forced a window, stealing jewels from vitrine displays before fleeing the scene on two-wheeled vehicles. Forensic teams are currently working at the site, compiling a detailed inventory of the stolen objects, which are believed to possess both historical and patrimonial significance.
Both Dati and Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez were present at the museum shortly after the robbery, where police had sealed off the premises and evacuated all visitors. New arrivals were turned away, and nearby streets were closed off, as detailed by the Interior Ministry.
In an interview with France Inter, Nuñez described the incident as a “major robbery,” revealing that the thieves “entered from the outside using a basket lift.” He noted that the operation lasted a mere seven minutes and that the glass panes were cut using a disc cutter, indicating that the culprits had likely conducted prior scouting of the area.
The Interior Ministry later pinpointed the location of the theft as the Galerie d’Apollon, with Le Parisien reporting that the thieves accessed the gallery via the Seine-facing facade, where construction work is currently in progress. Utilizing a freight elevator, they broke windows and allegedly stole nine pieces from the jewelry collection belonging to Napoleon and the Empress.
In a surprising turn of events, one of the stolen jewels was later discovered outside the museum. Initial investigative reports suggest that it may be Empress Eugénie’s crown, although it was found damaged.
The Louvre Museum has a storied history of thefts and attempted robberies, the most notorious being the 1911 disappearance of the Mona Lisa. The painting was stolen by Vincenzo Peruggia, a former museum worker who hid inside the premises and walked out with the masterpiece concealed under his coat. It was recovered two years later in Florence, a dramatic episode that significantly contributed to the painting's status as the world’s most recognized artwork.
Home to over 33,000 pieces spanning various eras and styles—from ancient antiquities and sculptures to renowned paintings—the Louvre attracts up to 30,000 visitors daily. Its star attractions include the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace. The Galerie d’Apollon specifically showcases a selection of the French Crown Jewels, making it a key highlight for museum-goers.
