The Louvre Museum has been temporarily closed after a highly coordinated daylight robbery on Sunday saw thieves escape with eight priceless 19th-century French crown jewels from the Galerie d’Apollon.

Authorities said the theft took place between 9:30 and 9:40 a.m. local time, shortly after the museum opened. Four masked suspects used a vehicle-mounted mechanical lift to reach a first-floor window overlooking the River Seine. Two of the robbers cut through glass panes with battery-powered tools, entered the gallery, and threatened security personnel, prompting an immediate evacuation of visitors.

The thieves then smashed two display cases and fled on scooters with the jewels.

The stolen pieces include:

  • A tiara and brooch owned by Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III
  • An emerald necklace and earrings once worn by Empress Marie Louise
  • A sapphire tiara, necklace, and single earring linked to Queen Marie-Amélie and Queen Hortense
  • The “reliquary brooch”

Two additional items, including Empress Eugénie’s crown, were found discarded nearby, likely dropped during the escape. They are now being examined for potential damage.

Culture Minister Rachida Dati described the raid as “calm” and “very professional,” noting that the perpetrators appeared to have meticulously prepared both the operation and their getaway route. France’s Ministry of Culture confirmed that alarms were activated and staff followed emergency protocols, ensuring visitor safety.

Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez called the jewels “priceless” and of “immeasurable heritage value,” labeling the incident one of the most audacious museum heists in recent French history. The entire operation reportedly lasted only a few minutes.

The robbery has reignited concerns over cultural asset security in France, coming on the heels of other high-profile heists, including the theft of €9 million worth of porcelain from the Adrien Dubouché Museum in Limoges and an armed robbery at the Hieron Museum in Burgundy in late 2024.

The Louvre has not yet confirmed when it will reopen. Police are currently reviewing CCTV footage and searching for the four suspects as investigations continue.