Here are All the Deets About the Louvre Jewelry Heist

The world-famous Louvre Museum in Paris became the site of a brazen jewellery heist on October 19, 2025. In a meticulously executed raid, four masked thieves struck around 9:30 a.m., within minutes of the museum opening, entering the renowned Galerie d’Apollon where France’s crown-jewels are displayed.

The perpetrators approached via a truck fitted with a basket lift at the river-front side of the museum, donned high-visibility “worker” vests to blend in, cut through a window using angle-grinders and power tools, and targeted two glass display cases. The entire robbery took just four to seven minutes. 

The haul? Eight priceless 19th-century French crown-jewels, including jewels linked to Empress Eugénie (wife of Napoleon III), a sapphire-set worn by Queen Marie-Amélie and Queen Hortense, and an emerald necklace and earrings belonging to Empress Marie-Louise (Napoleon Bonaparte’s second wife). Remarkably, the famous “Regent” diamond — valued at more than USD 60 million — remained untouched. 

Initially, the crown of Empress Eugénie was part of the targeted items, but it was found discarded and broken near the museum grounds following the escape. Investigators say the crown alone is worth “several tens of millions of euros.” 

No one was injured during the raid, yet the incident has triggered a major investigation. The Paris Prosecutor’s Office has launched an inquiry into organised theft and is reviewing CCTV, interviewing staff and tracing the escape route, which included motor scooters and the basket lift used by the robbers. 

The reaction from French authorities was swift and sharp. President Emmanuel Macron called the theft “an attack on a heritage that we cherish because it is our history” and vowed to recover the works and bring those responsible to justice. Culture Minister Rachida Dati and Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez echoed urgent calls for tougher museum-security measures. 

This daring heist has laid bare serious vulnerabilities in museum security—even at one of the world’s most-visited institutions. Staff shortages, delayed renovation projects and known maintenance issues at the Louvre have now come under intense scrutiny. One union called for “a full and independent audit of security and prevention systems”. 

For the art world and museum-goers alike, the implications are stark. These jewels were not only valuable in monetary terms: they also embody centuries of French history and royal heritage. Experts warn that once the pieces are removed from public view, their provenance may be erased—either through recutting or melting down—and that recovery will become ever more difficult. 

In the coming days and weeks, investigators will seek to answer key questions: how the criminals managed to bring heavy equipment to the site undetected; whether they had inside assistance; and why the most valuable diamond in the room was left behind. Meanwhile, the Louvre remains closed for investigation, and the art world watches closely.

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