On Wednesday morning, crowds queued outside the Louvre Museum, eager to return after its first reopening since one of the most high-profile museum thefts in recent memory. Hundreds of visitors waited for barriers to be lifted, following three days of forensic investigations, staff briefings, and security inspections. The museum, closed for routine maintenance on Tuesday, was back in operation, though the Apollo Room, the site of the dramatic heist, remains closed.
What Happened
The Louvre reopened to the public after a four-minute smash-and-grab heist on Sunday that shocked the art world. Thieves, using a freight lift, smashed a window on the Seine-facing side of the museum, broke into two display cases, and fled the scene on motorbikes into central Paris. The theft occurred despite alarms sounding, but by the time security agents arrived, the thieves had already made off with their haul.
The stolen items include valuable pieces tied to 19th-century French royalty, including sapphire jewelry linked to Queens Marie-Amélie and Hortense, an emerald necklace and earrings associated with Empress Marie-Louise, and the diamond diadem of Empress Eugénie. In total, eight objects were stolen, valued at £76 million. The objects, which hold immense historical significance, are feared to be broken down for resale on the black market.
Who Were the Thieves?
Investigators believe the thieves were part of an experienced, possibly “foreign” team, though no arrests have been made. Four individuals have been identified as being at the scene of the crime, and over 100 investigators are working to track down the culprits and their potential accomplices.
One of the most valuable stolen items, the emerald-set imperial crown of Empress Eugénie, was later found outside the museum, though it was damaged. Prosecutor Laure Beccuau stated that even if the thieves disassemble the stolen pieces, they are unlikely to fetch anything close to their full value due to the historical weight attached to them.
Impact on the Louvre’s Security
The heist has sparked renewed scrutiny of the Louvre’s security measures. Sunday’s theft exposed gaps in the protection of the museum’s vast collection of over 33,000 objects, especially in areas where visitor flows intersect with construction zones and freight access. This is a sensitive issue for the Louvre, which has faced staffing shortages and growing pressure from mass tourism. In June, a staff walkout was triggered by these conditions, further emphasizing the challenges the museum faces in securing its world-class collection.
What Happens Next
While the stolen jewelry remains missing, the investigation continues, and authorities are focusing on analyzing the heist crew’s movements. Experts are working to piece together clues and track down the thieves, with the museum’s security now under heightened scrutiny.
For the time being, visitors to the Louvre can once again enjoy the museum’s other exhibits, though the Apollo Room, where the theft occurred, will remain closed for the foreseeable future.
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This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
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