Paris, France – October 19, 2025 – The Louvre Museum in Paris remained closed on Monday as French police continued their manhunt for the team of robbers who stole eight priceless pieces of royal jewelry in a daring heist on Sunday, October 18, 2025. The robbery, which took place shortly after the museum opened to the public, has reignited concerns over museum security in France.
What Happened
The robbery took place between 9:30 and 9:40 AM on Sunday, shortly after the Louvre opened its doors to visitors. A team of thieves is believed to have used an extendable ladder to reach the Apollo Gallery, home to the museum’s royal collection, and cutting tools to break into a window and open the display cases.
The robbers, who were reportedly masked, managed to make off with nine 19th-century pieces of jewelry, including priceless items once owned by the French royals. The crown of Empress Eugénie, a significant item in the collection, was reportedly dropped and damaged during the thieves’ escape.
A brief video of the heist, apparently filmed by a museum visitor, has since been broadcast on French news channels, showing the swift and methodical nature of the robbery. The entire raid took just seven minutes.
Stolen Items
The stolen jewelry includes:
- An emerald-and-diamond necklace given by Napoleon to his wife Empress Marie Louise.
- A diadem that once belonged to Empress Eugénie, featuring nearly 2,000 diamonds.
- A necklace that once belonged to Marie-Amelie, the last queen of France, with eight sapphires and 631 diamonds.
Despite the dramatic nature of the robbery, experts have stated that selling these items in their current state would be impossible, as they are easily recognizable and marked as national treasures.
Investigating the Robbers
The robbery has prompted authorities to investigate whether the thieves were part of an experienced criminal group, possibly of foreign origin. The French Interior Minister, Laurent Nuñez, stated that the team seemed to be highly skilled, adding that the theft could not have been carried out by amateurs. Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage and witness statements to track down the perpetrators.
Police have reported that the museum staff‘s intervention forced the thieves to flee, leaving behind equipment used during the robbery. French authorities have vowed to recover the stolen items and bring those responsible to justice.
Security Concerns and Public Reaction
The robbery, which marks the first theft from the Louvre since 1998, has reignited a debate over museum security in France. Critics have pointed out that French museums are not as secure as other high-risk institutions, like banks, and have become increasingly vulnerable to theft.
In an interview with France Inter, Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin expressed frustration over the incident, saying, “What is certain is that we have failed, since people were able to park a furniture hoist in the middle of Paris, get people up it in several minutes to grab priceless jewels.”
Political Reactions
The robbery has sparked strong political reactions, with figures across the spectrum criticizing the French state‘s inability to protect its cultural heritage. Jordan Bardella, leader of the far-right National Rally party, called the theft “an unbearable humiliation for our country,” asking, “How far will the disintegration of the state go?”
President Emmanuel Macron also addressed the incident, expressing concern over the security breach and stating that “everything is being done” to catch the perpetrators and recover the stolen treasures.
Conclusion
The Louvre Museum heist is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by cultural institutions, especially those housing priceless artifacts. As French authorities continue their investigation, public scrutiny over museum security will likely intensify, especially as the nation deals with the embarrassment of this high-profile crime.
This story may be updated as more information becomes available.
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