PARIS, October 19, 2025 : The Louvre Museum in Paris, the world’s most-visited museum, was forced to close on Sunday after a brazen, “seven-minute” robbery during which thieves stole several historical pieces of jewellery, including items believed to have belonged to Napoleon and Empress Joséphine.
The French Culture Minister, Rachida Dati, confirmed the incident, stating, “A robbery took place this morning at the opening of the Louvre Museum.” The museum, which houses masterpieces like the Mona Lisa, announced its closure for the day citing “exceptional reasons” as police launched a major investigation.
The Heist Details:
Target and Loot: The robbers targeted the Apollo Gallery, which displays a selection of the French Crown Jewels. According to French daily Le Parisien, they stole nine pieces from the jewellery collection of Napoleon and the Empress. The stolen items are being described by the Interior Ministry as having “inestimable heritage and historical value.”
The Break-in: The heist occurred at approximately 9:30 a.m. local time, shortly after the museum opened to the public. Reports suggest the thieves were a “highly professional” team who had pre-planned the operation.
Method of Entry: The criminals reportedly entered the sprawling complex from the façade facing the Seine River, an area where construction work is currently underway. They used a basket lift to access the exterior and a freight elevator to reach the targeted room. They then used power tools, described as small chainsaws or a disc cutter, to smash the display cases.
Escape: Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez stated the entire operation lasted only seven minutes. The suspects, believed to be three or four people, reportedly fled the scene on motorbikes or scooters.
Recovery: Authorities confirmed that one of the stolen jewels—believed to be part of the Empress Eugénie’s crown—was recovered, albeit damaged, outside the museum near the thieves’ escape route.
No injuries to the public or museum staff were reported. The Paris prosecutor’s office has opened an inquiry into the incident, described as an “organised theft and criminal conspiracy.” Police are currently examining security footage and the entry point used by the robbers. The Louvre will remain closed as forensics teams work to preserve evidence.
“Inestimable” Napoleon-Era Jewels Stolen in Daring Louvre Heist; Museum Closed for Investigation.
