On the morning of October 19, 2025, a remarkable theft occurred at the Louvre Museum in Paris, where thieves posing as museum workers made off with several priceless pieces of the French Crown Jewels. The incident took place shortly after the museum opened to visitors, around 9:30 AM.
The heist unfolded when a vehicle-mounted mechanical lift was positioned against the museum”s south-facing facade, allowing the thieves to access a first-floor window. At approximately 9:34 AM, they employed a disc cutter to breach the window, triggering security alarms in the process. Nevertheless, they managed to enter the Apollon Gallery, where the Crown Jewels were displayed.
Despite the alarms sounding, the thieves acted quickly, breaking open two display cases and seizing a total of eight exquisite items adorned with thousands of diamonds and gemstones. By 9:38 AM, they had fled the scene on scooters waiting outside. Among the stolen treasures were a diadem and two brooches from Empress Eugénie, a necklace and earring set from Empress Marie Louise, and various pieces from Queen Marie-Amélie and Queen Hortense.
Notably, a ninth object, a crown encrusted with diamonds and emeralds, was discovered abandoned on the street. This crown, belonging to Empress Eugénie, contained 1,354 diamonds and 56 emeralds and appeared to be damaged — a fortunate outcome compared to the other stolen items, which are expected to be sold piecemeal if not recovered first.
This incident took place mere feet away from the Mona Lisa, a painting that has its own history of theft. In 1911, an employee named Vincenzo Peruggia stole the artwork, hiding it in his coat before leaving the museum. The painting was recovered in 1914 and returned to the Louvre, having gained immense fame in the interim.
Over the years, the Louvre Museum has experienced other thefts, including the 1998 disappearance of Le Chemin de Sevres, a 19th-century painting that remains missing. Such events have led to ongoing scrutiny of the museum”s security measures. In response, the Louvre initiated a project called “Nouvelle Renaissance” aimed at enhancing security systems to safeguard its invaluable art collection.
While no visitors were harmed during the recent theft, the museum was immediately evacuated and closed. A notice on its website indicated that the museum would remain closed for “exceptional reasons.” The duration of the closure remains uncertain, as it is typically closed on Tuesdays.
