The Louvre museum remained closed on Monday, October 20, due to a bold daylight robbery in which thieves made off with invaluable jewels. A team of 60 investigators is currently searching for the suspects, who stole eight items from the museum’s Galerie d’Apollon, the repository of the French crown jewels, in a mere seven minutes.
Authorities subsequently recovered a 19th-century crown that belonged to Empress Eugenie, the spouse of Napoleon III, which is embellished with golden eagles, 1,354 diamonds, and 56 emeralds.
The museum announced on its website: “In light of yesterday’s robbery at the Louvre, we regret to inform you that the museum will remain closed to the public today.” Earlier, visitors were observed waiting in lines throughout the pyramid courtyard.
Security review across France
France declared on Monday that it would conduct a review of security measures at cultural sites nationwide and enhance protections where necessary. The thieves utilized a crane to break an upstairs window, seize the jewels, and flee on motorbikes.
Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin acknowledged security failures, stating on France Inter radio: “We have failed, as individuals were able to park a furniture hoist in the heart of Paris, elevate people in it within minutes to seize priceless jewels and tarnish France’s image.”
Culture Minister Rachida Dati remarked, “For too long, we have concentrated on visitor safety rather than safeguarding artworks,” expressing her hope to expedite security enhancements in museums.
Emergency meeting convened
The robbery, referred to as the “heist of the century” by various newspapers, has raised pressing concerns regarding the safety of France’s cultural heritage. The Louvre, which attracted 8.7 million visitors in 2024 and is home to iconic pieces such as the Mona Lisa, has become the center of national apprehension.
In the aftermath of the theft, the Culture and Interior Ministers convened an emergency meeting and directed officials throughout France to promptly evaluate and bolster security at cultural institutions.
A manhunt is currently in progress.
The robbery took place over a span of merely six to seven minutes. Four unarmed individuals intimidated the guards using angle grinders before making their escape. Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau has verified these details, while Interior Minister Laurent Nunez stated that a specialized police unit, recognized for addressing high-profile thefts, is at the forefront of the investigation.
