On Sunday, thieves infiltrated the Louvre Museum in Paris by employing a crane to break an upstairs window, enabling them to steal invaluable jewelry from the French crown jewels section before fleeing on motorcycles, according to the French government.
This audacious theft is expected to spark serious questions about the museum’s security. Concerns had already been raised about insufficient investment at this iconic location, which saw 8.7 million visitors in 2024.
The heist occurred around 9:30 am (0730 GMT) after the museum had opened to the public. The perpetrators accessed the Galerie d’Apollon, the Interior Ministry reported.
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The entire operation lasted about four minutes, according to Culture Minister Rachida Dati, who spoke to TF1. She emphasized the thieves’ professional manner.
“We reviewed footage: they didn’t confront anyone, entered calmly, smashed display cases, took the valuables, and exited in just four minutes. No violence, very professional,” she stated on TF1.
She noted that one piece of jewelry was found outside the museum, seemingly dropped during their escape.
While Dati did not specify the item, Le Parisien reported that it could be the crown of Napoleon III’s wife, Empress Eugénie, which was found damaged.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez told France Inter that three or four individuals accessed the museum using a crane mounted on a truck.
“They broke a window, targeted several display cases, and stole jewels with immense historical and priceless value,” Nunez explained.
Investigation in Progress
A video shared on X by a museum guide depicted visitors heading towards exits amidst their tour, initially unaware of the disruption’s cause.
Nunez confirmed that an investigation is underway, led by a specialized police unit known for successfully resolving high-profile robberies.
No injuries were reported, Dati confirmed.
The Louvre, the world’s most-visited museum and home to Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, announced on X that it would remain closed for the day due to “exceptional reasons.”
In one of history’s boldest art thefts, the Mona Lisa was stolen from the museum in 1911 by an ex-employee. He was eventually apprehended, and the painting was returned two years later.
Earlier this year, Louvre officials sought urgent assistance from the French government for the restoration and renovation of the museum’s aging exhibition halls to better safeguard its numerous artworks.
Dati mentioned that museum security concerns aren’t new.
“For 40 years, there was minimal focus on securing these significant museums. Two years ago, the Louvre’s president requested a security audit from the police prefect. Why? Because museums must evolve to address new crime forms,” she remarked. “Today, it’s organized crime – professionals.”
