The Louvre Museum in Paris reopened on Wednesday, three days after a brazen daylight robbery saw thieves steal jewellery worth €88 million (£76m; $102m) in one of France’s most audacious art crimes.
Visitors were welcomed back from 9:00 a.m. local time, though the museum’s Apollo Gallery — where the theft occurred — remains closed. Four masked thieves used power tools to break into the gallery and escaped on scooters within eight minutes on Sunday morning. They have not yet been caught.
A tiara worn by the Empress Eugenie, wife of Napoleon III, was taken
A large jewel-encrusted bow which also belonged to the Empress is also among items unaccounted for
Thieves took a number of items which were previously worn by Queen Marie-Amelie, who was married to King Louis Philippe I
A pair of diamond and blue emerald encrusted earrings
President Emmanuel Macron called the heist “an attack on France’s heritage” and ordered his ministers to accelerate new security measures across national museums. Louvre director Laurence des Cars is expected to appear before the French Senate’s culture committee later on Wednesday.
A preliminary report revealed serious lapses in the museum’s security systems — with one in three rooms lacking CCTV coverage and the wider alarm system failing to trigger during the robbery. Cultural institutions across France have since tightened their security protocols.
One of a pair of earrings which previously belonged to the 19th century Queen are also missing
Marie-Amelie’s crown was taken, though another worn by Princess Eugenie was apparently dropped during the thieves’ escape
The Marie-Louise necklace and a pair of earrings were among the eight items stolen
Senator Nathalie Goulet told the BBC that the Apollo Gallery’s alarm “had recently been broken,” and investigators are now probing whether it was deliberately deactivated. The culture ministry has since clarified that the museum’s main alarms did sound and that staff acted swiftly to alert police and protect visitors.
The Louvre shut its doors following the heist, offering refunds to all ticket holders. Among them was Peruvian visitor Benjamin Carbajal, who told Reuters it was “a shame” his visit was cancelled but said he understood the museum’s decision given “how serious” the situation was.
How the Heist Unfolded
Investigators say four masked men arrived at the Louvre around 9:30 a.m. on Sunday in a truck fitted with mechanical ladders. Two of them used a battery-powered disc cutter to break through a first-floor glass window overlooking the River Seine, then threatened security guards and smashed open two display cases.
They attempted to set fire to their vehicle as they fled, but a member of staff intervened. The gang escaped on scooters at 9:38 a.m., leaving behind a damaged crown believed to have been dropped during their getaway.
Among the stolen treasures were:
-
A diamond and emerald necklace gifted by Emperor Napoleon to his wife
-
A gold tiara worn by Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III
-
Several pieces once belonging to Queen Marie-Amélie, including earrings, a necklace, and a jewel-encrusted bow
-
Marie-Amélie’s silver-and-emerald crown, while another crown worn by Princess Eugénie was found discarded nearby
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez told Europe 1 radio on Wednesday that he had “every confidence” the culprits would be caught. Prosecutors believe the theft was commissioned by an organized criminal network.
The Louvre remains under heightened security as the investigation continues.
