On Sunday, October 19, four thieves broke into the Louvre and stole several pieces of jewelry in just under seven minutes. They used a motorized basket lift to enter through the Louvre’s Apollo Gallery, gaining access to the French Crown Jewels. 

The Louvre is the world’s largest art museum, located in Paris, France. Originally a 12th century fortress the building was transformed into a royal palace in the 16th century, and then opened as a public museum in 1793.

It is home to a vast art collection of some of the most famous and influential works in history. Some of the over 35,000 featured artworks include the Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo, The Raft of the Medusa, and Winged Victory of Samothrace.

Today, the Louvre is the world’s most visited museum, not just for art lovers, but many tourists stop by to visit when in Paris. Amongst the many exhibits “paintings, sculptures, architectural elements and art objects” are all showcased.

The heist occurred in broad-daylight between 9:30 – 9:40 a.m., just 30 minutes after the doors opened to visitors. The thieves disguised themselves in neon vests appearing as construction workers. They were able to cut the window open using an angle grinder. Then they used small chainsaws to cut open two display cases, in turn setting off alarms. 

Many people are claiming the heist to be Hollywood style or “right out of a cartoon.” The Apollo Gallery at the Louvre does not have cameras due to an old and insufficient museum security camera system. The only nearby camera was facing the opposite direction of the heist. No one was injured, however the security guards claim to have been threatened by the thieves. Once the heist was complete the thieves attempted to set fire to the basket lift, but they failed. They then fled the scene on two scooters.

The thieves were able to technically steal nine items, but only got away with eight. The eight stolen items include: Empress Eugénie’s tiara, decorative bow, and brooch; a sapphire tiara, necklace, and earring set, once shared among generations of royalty; along with an emerald and diamond necklace and earring set, gifted by Napoleon to his second wife as a marriage gift. The thieves had also taken Empress Eugénie’s crown, but it was dropped outside the Louvre which authorities recovered slightly after the heist. The stolen items are valued at around $102 million dollars or 88 million euros.

The manhunt has become increasingly urgent as officials fear the jewels may be destroyed for parts and sold. If sold, there will be no trace to the crown jewels leaving them gone forever. As of now, the Louvre remains closed to the public, and the thieves remain at large with no suspects taken in yet.

Siena Trainor, senior editor 2025-26

It makes my day better when I cook meals for family and friends.