The Louvre Museum in Paris temporarily closed its doors after a daring daylight robbery that saw thieves make off with priceless jewels in under 10 minutes.
According to a Louvre spokesperson, the theft took place on Sunday, Oct. 19, around 9:30 a.m. local time, when several individuals broke into the museum’s famed Galerie d’Apollon (Apollo Gallery) by forcing entry through a window.
“They stole jewelry from display cases inside the museum and fled on motorcycles,” the spokesperson said in a statement. “An investigation has begun, and a detailed list of the stolen items is being compiled. Beyond their market value, these items have inestimable heritage and historical value. The ministers of culture and the interior are on site with the museum’s management.”
Following the break-in, the Louvre’s management decided to close the museum to safeguard evidence and assist investigators. “All possible measures are being taken to recover the stolen items,” the statement continued.
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France’s Culture Minister Rachida Dati confirmed on X that no injuries were reported among visitors, staff, or officers. “I am on site alongside the museum teams and the police. Investigations underway,” she wrote.
According to France 24, the thieves carried small chainsaws and angle grinders to access the targeted display. French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez told the outlet the robbery lasted roughly seven minutes.
Le Parisien reported that four people were involved — two disguised as museum workers in yellow vests and two others waiting on scooters. The group escaped with nine pieces of jewelry from the Napoleon and Empresses Marie-Louise and Eugénie collection. Later that day, Culture Minister Dati confirmed that one of the stolen items was found near the museum. In total, two pieces have been recovered, according to Le Parisien.
The Apollo Gallery, one of the Louvre’s most iconic spaces, houses the historic French Crown Jewels, including the Regent, the Sancy, and the Hortensia diamonds once owned by Napoleon’s second wife, Empress Marie Louise, per the museum’s website.
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After the theft, the Louvre announced on X that it “will remain closed today for exceptional reasons.” Police and forensic teams quickly arrived at the scene, joined by soldiers with automatic rifles guarding the museum’s perimeter, AFP reported.
The Paris prosecutor’s office classified the incident as an “organized theft” and launched a full investigation into the heist, according to Le Parisien.
