Brazen Heist Forces Louvre Closure After Thieves Steal Priceless Crown Jewels

In a stunning daylight robbery that has shocked France and the global art community, a group of thieves stole several priceless pieces from the Louvre Museum on Sunday morning, prompting the immediate closure of one of the world’s most visited cultural landmarks.

According to French authorities, at approximately 9:30 a.m. local time, four individuals gained access to the museum’s Galerie d’Apollon, where the French Crown Jewels are displayed. Using a mechanical lift and power tools, the suspects executed a swift and calculated theft lasting just minutes. Among the stolen artifacts are eight to nine pieces, including items from the 19th century belonging to Empress Eugénie. One of the stolen crowns was reportedly recovered later outside the museum, damaged.

No injuries were reported, and the suspects fled the scene before police arrived. The museum was immediately evacuated and closed for the remainder of the day as investigators began forensic work. Visitors scheduled for that day have been offered refunds.

French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the robbery, calling it “an attack on our heritage,” and vowed that authorities would recover the stolen items and bring those responsible to justice. Louvre Director Dr. Laurence des Cars echoed that sentiment, saying, “This robbery is not just a theft of objects—it is an assault on our shared history and culture.”

The French Interior Ministry has ordered an urgent review of security protocols at all national museums and cultural institutions. Officials stated that the ongoing “Louvre New Renaissance” renovation program, which already included plans for expanded security measures, will now be accelerated.

The Louvre, home to masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, houses more than 35,000 artworks and attracts millions of visitors each year. The robbery has reignited debate about museum security and the vulnerability of national treasures to increasingly bold criminal networks.

Authorities are urging anyone with information about the incident to contact police as the international search for the stolen jewels intensifies.

The museum is expected to reopen later this week once security assessments are complete, though the affected gallery will remain closed until further notice.