Louvre Jewels Stolen in 7-Minute Daylight Heist

Louvre Jewels Stolen in 7-Minute Daylight Heist. Robbers used power tools and a furniture hoist to steal 'priceless' jewellery from the Louvre Museum's Gallerie d’Apollon in a shocking seven-minute heist on Sunday, October 19, 2025. This audacious daylight theft of potentially the French Crown Jewels has sent shockwaves across the globe, raising serious concerns about the security of cultural institutions in Paris. The world-renowned museum, home to the Mona Lisa and visited by millions, was immediately shut down for the day as police and forensics teams began their investigation into the coordinated and swift operation. The incident occurred just 800 meters from Paris police headquarters.

The Audacious Method: A Seven-Minute Operation

The robbers executed their plan with alarming speed and precision. Sources confirm that three of the four thieves scaled a furniture hoist outside the Louvre to gain access to the prestigious Gallerie d’Apollon. The theft, carried out between 9:30 and 9:40 am (0730 and 0740 GMT), involved the use of power tools. The gang, who arrived on a scooter armed with angle grinders, managed to complete the entire brazen heist in just seven minutes. The use of such sophisticated methods to bypass the museum's security has led to an immediate review of safety protocols, especially given the historical significance of the artefacts housed within.

• The robbers arrived on a scooter and targeted the museum between 9:30 and 9:40 am.
• They utilized a furniture hoist to directly reach the targeted room.
• Three of the four thieves managed to enter the gallery.
• The entire theft was completed in an astonishing seven minutes.
• The thieves were armed with powerful tools, including angle grinders, to breach the display cases.

What Was Stolen: The French Crown Jewels

While the exact value and list of stolen items are still being estimated by the Paris prosecutor’s office, Interior Minister Laurent Nunez confirmed the theft of 'priceless' goods from the gallery. The Gallerie d’Apollon is historically the home of the French Crown Jewels. These treasures include some of the world's most famous historical diamonds—the Regent, the Sancy, and the Hortensia—along with an emerald and diamond necklace gifted by Napoleon to Empress Marie-Louise. The immense value and irreplaceable nature of these historical artefacts mean the loss is considered a devastating blow to France's national heritage.

1. The stolen items are believed to be part of the highly significant French Crown Jewels.
2. Historic diamonds such as the Regent, the Sancy, and the Hortensia are kept in this gallery.
3. Napoleon's emerald and diamond necklace, given to Empress Marie-Louise, is also a potential target.
4. The value of the loot is currently being estimated, but officials describe the goods as 'priceless'.
5. The museum has declined further comment during the ongoing investigation.

Security Concerns: A String of Recent Heists

This shocking robbery follows a troubling trend of thefts targeting cultural institutions across France in recent months, raising profound concerns about museum security nationwide. Culture Minister Rachida Dati reported the 'robbery' and confirmed that 'no injuries' had been sustained. The Louvre, which was the seat of French kings until Louis XIV moved to Versailles, announced its closure for the day 'for exceptional reasons.' This latest incident highlights the vulnerability of these treasuries, despite their global importance. For more on the escalating problem, you can read about Recent Art Thefts in France.

• The incident adds to a series of high-profile thefts at French museums recently.
• Last month, the Natural History Museum in Paris was targeted, with thieves making off with gold samples worth €600,000.
• In November last year, four thieves used axes and baseball bats to steal precious artefacts from the Cognacq-Jay museum in broad daylight.
• Culture Minister Rachida Dati assured the public that no one was injured during the Louvre heist.
• The museum, the world’s most visited, welcomed nine million visitors last year.

Investigation and Future of the Louvre

The Paris prosecutor’s office has launched a formal investigation into the theft. A police forensics team was immediately dispatched to the scene, and roads around the museum were sealed off. Interior Minister Nunez and other officials are working closely with the police. This incident puts a spotlight on the museum's security, especially as President Emmanuel Macron had pledged to have the Louvre 'redesigned, restored and enlarged' earlier this year to increase its annual visitors from nine million to a target of 12 million. The focus is now on recovering the stolen items and preventing such breaches in the future.

1. A formal investigation has been opened by the Paris prosecutor’s office.
2. Police forensics teams and uniformed soldiers with automatic rifles patrolled the area immediately after the theft.
3. The incident is likely to trigger a major overhaul of the museum's security protocols.
4. President Macron’s plans to enlarge and restore the Louvre are still slated to proceed.
5. The stolen loot's final valuation remains a key component of the ongoing inquiry.

	Background: The Louvre and Royal History

This severe security breach at the Louvre brings the spotlight back to the museum’s immense historical and cultural value. The Louvre is more than just an exhibition space; it served as the royal palace for the Kings of France until Louis XIV relocated the court to Versailles in the late 1600s. The Gallerie d’Apollon itself was commissioned by Louis XIV and later served as the architectural model for the iconic Hall of Mirrors at the Château de Versailles. The French Crown Jewels, which hold centuries of French history, are among the most revered items in the collection. The theft represents a significant attack on this shared global heritage.

To learn more about the building's royal past, visit our section on Louvre Museum History and Architecture.