Louvre Museum Shuts Down Following Jewel Heist
Paris, France – Teh Louvre Museum in Paris was closed to the public on Sunday, October 19th, following the theft of jewels from Napoleon and Empress Joséphine’s collection. The incident, wich lasted approximately seven to ten minutes, occurred shortly after the museum opened at 9:00 AM local time.
According to authorities, the perpetrators – described as a coordinated team - gained access to the museum via a construction site on the adjacent François Mitterrand Street, utilizing a freight elevator to reach the targeted Apollo Gallery. They breached display cases using tools, including small chainsaws, to steal several pieces of jewelry.
French Minister of Culture, Rachida Dati, confirmed the robbery and stated she was on-site with museum staff and police.Minister of the Interior, Laurent Nuñez, revealed the thieves entered the museum using a lifting platform and that one jewel was recovered during their escape. No injuries have been reported.
The stolen items included a necklace, a brooch, and a tiara, though the Regent Diamond, a meaningful piece weighing over 140 carats, remains secure.
An examination has been launched by the Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office,led by the banditry Repression Brigade and supported by the Central Office to Combat Trafficking in Cultural Goods,focusing on charges of organized theft and criminal conspiracy. The museum was evacuated to allow investigators to secure the scene.
The Louvre,renowned as the world’s most visited museum,welcomed over ten million visitors in 2018 and nine million in 2024,with 80% of those visitors originating from outside of France. The museum remains closed until monday while damage is assessed and the investigation continues.