The Louvre, one of the world’s most visited museums, saw its priceless 19th-century crown jewels stolen in just seven minutes.
Thieves smashed an upstairs window and escaped on scooters with eight invaluable pieces, shocking world and raising urgent questions about museum security.
How did the theft unfold?
The robbery happened on Sunday morning (19 October), between 09:30 and 09:40 local time, shortly after the museum opened.
Four masked thieves used a vehicle-mounted mechanical lift to reach an upper window leading into the Galerie d’Apollon (Apollo Gallery), near the Seine River.
Two of them cut through the glass panes with battery-powered tools and entered the gallery.
They threatened the guards, who evacuated visitors from area, and stole items from two display cases.
A preliminary report revealed that one in three rooms in the targeted area had no CCTV cameras, making the theft easier.
The gang attempted to set fire to their vehicle outside but were stopped by museum staff.
What jewels were stolen?
The Culture Ministry confirmed that eight pieces were stolen, including a tiara, necklace, and earring from the sapphire set of Queen Marie-Amélie and Queen Hortense.
An emerald necklace and matching earrings from the Marie-Louise set, the reliquary brooch, and a tiara and large bodice knot (brooch) belonging to Empress Eugénie were also part of the loot.
The crown of Empress Eugénie was later found outside the museum, dropped during the escape.
These jewels, adorned with diamonds, emeralds, and sapphires, are considered priceless and of immense heritage value, representing France’s cultural history.
How professional was the robbery?
Authorities described the thieves as experienced, executing a carefully planned operation that lasted less than ten minutes. The robbers were unarmed but highly organised, escaping on two scooters.
Approximately 60 investigators are handling the case, with prosecutors suggesting that the heist may have been commissioned by a criminal organisation.
They also said the jewels would possibly be resold or dismantled for precious materials.
Museum security and reopening
The Louvre remains closed indefinitely, with refunds offered to visitors who booked tickets.
Police and security personnel are stationed around the museum’s entrances, and metal barriers have been installed.
The museum could reopen Wednesday (22 October) at the earliest, as it is normally closed on Tuesdays.
Public reaction
The theft sparked outrage in France. President Emmanuel Macron called it “an attack on our history,” while opposition politicians called it an intolerable humiliation.
Experts warn that if the jewels are dismantled, recovery could be extremely difficult.
Russia said that its Foreign Minister, Sergei Lavrov, and U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, had a “constructive” conversation as they began pr...
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi spoke to his Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdelatty in a telephone conversation over the weekend where issues of ...
The Communist Party of China has opened the fourth plenary session of its 20th Central Committee in Beijing, as Xi Jinping outlined the country’s ac...
The Louvre, one of the world’s most visited museums, saw its priceless 19th-century crown jewels stolen in just seven minutes....
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has arrived in the Republic of Kazakhstan for a state visit on Monday 20th October....
The Louvre Museum in Paris was closed on Sunday after thieves broke in and stole “priceless” jewellery from the Napoleon collection, the French government said.
French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu survived two no-confidence votes in parliament on Thursday, winning crucial backing from the Socialist Party.
China has voiced its readiness to enhance high-level exchanges with France during a strategic dialogue between Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Emmanuel Bonne, the French president’s diplomatic adviser, according to a statement released by the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Thursday.
Hundreds of farmers staged a protest in Paris on Tuesday against the proposed trade agreement between the European Union and the South American bloc Mercosur.
At least 69 people have died and almost 150 injured following a powerful 6.9-magnitude earthquake off the coast of Cebu City in the central Visayas region of the Philippines, officials said, making it one of the country’s deadliest disasters this year.
A tsunami threat was issued in Chile after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck the Drake Passage on Friday. The epicenter was located 135 miles south of Puerto Williams on the north coast of Navarino Island.
The war in Ukraine has reached a strategic impasse, and it seems that the conflict will not be solved by military means. This creates a path toward one of two alternatives: either a “frozen” phase that can last indefinitely or a quest for a durable political regulation.
A shooting in Nice, southeastern France, left two people dead and five injured on Friday, authorities said.
Snapchat will start charging users who store more than 5GB of photos and videos in its Memories feature, prompting backlash from long-time users.
Ace Frehley, the original lead guitarist of the legendary rock band Kiss known for its powerful sound, theatrical performances, and signature makeup has died at 74, his family announced Thursday.
Grammy Award-winning R&B artist D’Angelo, a pioneer of the neo-soul movement, has died aged 51 after what his family described as “a prolonged and courageous battle with cancer.”
U.S. President Donald Trump has reinstated Columbus Day as a national holiday, calling the explorer “America’s original hero” and hailing Italian-American contributions — a move that has reignited fierce debate over Indigenous Peoples’ Day and colonial legacy.
The European Broadcasting Union has postponed until December a key vote on Israel’s participation in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, citing uncertainty over the Gaza ceasefire and mounting pressure from broadcasters threatening to boycott the event.
Diane Keaton, the eccentric American actress who won an Academy Award and stole hearts with her charming portrayal of Woody Allen’s neurotic, self-doubting girlfriend in the 1977 romantic comedy Annie Hall, has died aged 79, People magazine reported on Saturday, citing a family spokesperson.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment