Louvre Art Heist Forces Daylong Closure as Priceless Jewelry is Stolen
The Louvre Museum in Paris was closed on Sunday, October 19, 2025, following a daring heist that took place during its opening hours. The French Ministry of the Interior reported that invaluable jewelry was stolen from the museum, prompting immediate police action.
Culture Minister Rachida Dati confirmed the incident via social media. She stated there were no injuries and that she was on-site alongside Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, assessing the situation. The museum, which welcomed nearly 9 million visitors in 2024—80% of whom were international—announced its closure on social media due to “exceptional reasons.”
Louvre Art Heist Details
At approximately 9:30 AM, the assailants gained entry using a construction lift positioned on a truck outside the museum. They shattered a window in the Apollo Gallery and quickly targeted various display cases, stealing several priceless items. After the heist, they escaped on scooters.
Jewelry Stolen
- The heist involved the theft of nine pieces from Napoleon and Empress Eugénie’s jewelry collection.
- One piece, identified as the Empress’s crown, was recovered nearby but reported damaged.
- The crown features 1,354 diamonds and 56 emeralds, highlighting its immense historical value.
Authorities have launched an investigation into organized theft and have assigned the case to the Paris judicial police’s Banditry Repression Brigade. They are receiving support from the Central Office for the Fight Against Trafficking Cultural Goods.
Response and Security Concerns
President Emmanuel Macron is being updated in real-time about the unfolding situation. Many officials expressed concern over the breach, noting the security vulnerabilities in French museums. Minister Nuñez stressed the heist’s organization and the alarming ease with which the criminals operated.
The mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, expressed her support for the museum’s staff and the ongoing police investigation. She emphasized the need for a swift resolution to ensure justice for the stolen items. Senator Ian Brossat echoed these sentiments, calling the incident an affront to national pride.
Historical Context
This brazen theft follows a concerning trend of increased criminal activity targeting cultural institutions in France. Recent thefts have raised significant questions about the adequacy of security measures at such sites.
In September 2025, a separate incident involved the theft of gold specimens from the National Museum of Natural History in Paris, valued at around 600,000 euros. Another museum in Limoges suffered a burglary, with damages estimated at 6.5 million euros.
The Louvre’s closure and the subsequent theft underscore the pressing need for comprehensive security reform to protect cultural heritage in France.
