Louvre Robbery Today: What Happened in the Daring Paris Heist

“Priceless” jewellery was stolen in a dramatic robbery at the Louvre museum in Paris on Sunday, forcing the world-famous landmark to close its doors. The daring heist happened on October 19, 2025, around 9:30 a.m. local time, when a group of thieves broke into the museum and escaped with several pieces of historic jewellery.

French authorities confirmed that the intruders used a basket lift mounted on a lorry to enter through a window. They smashed display cases in the Galerie d’Apollon, home to the French Crown Jewels, and fled on motorbikes. Officials say the stolen items have “genuine heritage value” and are “priceless.”

How the Louvre Robbery Unfolded Today

Interior minister Laurent Nunez called the incident a “major robbery” and said the gang was “very professional.” According to officials, the thieves entered calmly within four minutes, targeted specific display cases, and left without harming anyone. Construction work near the River Seine side of the Louvre may have helped them gain access unnoticed.

Investigators say three or four individuals were involved. They cut through window panes with a disc cutter before heading straight to the Apollo Gallery, which houses some of France’s most valuable royal jewellery. The robbers wore hoods and reportedly carried small chainsaws. After seizing the jewels, they escaped on Yamaha TMAX scooters.

Police believe the group stole nine pieces of jewellery, including a necklace, a brooch, and a tiara from the Napoleon and French Sovereigns collection. One item, believed to be the crown of Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III, was found broken outside the museum, possibly dropped during the getaway.

Authorities sealed off the museum and evacuated visitors shortly after the alarm was raised. Forensic teams are now working inside, and a detailed list of stolen items is being compiled. No injuries were reported during the robbery.

Visitor Panic and Security Questions Raised

The heist caused panic among visitors. Social media footage showed people trapped inside the museum, banging on locked glass doors as police and military units rushed in. Witnesses described confusion and fear as officers attempted to enter through side doors near the iconic glass pyramid.

The Louvre, which attracts around 30,000 visitors daily, announced its closure on X, citing “exceptional reasons.” Officials have launched a major investigation, with the serious crime unit leading the search for the thieves. “All available resources” are being deployed, authorities said.

This is not the first time the Louvre has been targeted. The museum’s most famous work, Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, was stolen in 1911 and recovered two years later in Florence. In 1983, two Renaissance-era pieces of armour were stolen and only recovered in 2021, nearly four decades later.

What the Heist Means for the Louvre and Heritage Protection

The theft raises serious concerns about security at one of the world’s most visited cultural landmarks. Despite advanced systems and armed patrols, the thieves exploited a vulnerable point created by ongoing construction work. Officials are expected to review and strengthen museum security protocols.

The Louvre’s collection, which includes over 33,000 works of art, is deeply tied to French history. Many items, including the stolen jewels, date back to the Napoleonic era and are considered national treasures. Their loss represents not only a financial blow but also a cultural and historical one.

The investigation remains ongoing. Authorities are urging anyone with information about the Louvre robbery today to come forward as they race to recover the stolen treasures and bring those responsible to justice.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What happened in the Louvre robbery today?

A group of thieves broke into the Louvre using a basket lift, smashed display cases, and stole priceless jewellery from the Apollo Gallery. They fled on motorbikes.

Q2: How many items were stolen in the Louvre robbery?

Police say nine pieces of jewellery were taken, including a necklace, a brooch, and a tiara from the French Crown Jewels collection.

Q3: Did police recover anything after the robbery?

One piece believed to be the crown of Empress Eugénie was found broken outside the museum, likely dropped during the escape.

Q4: Has the Louvre been robbed before?

Yes. The Mona Lisa was stolen in 1911 and recovered two years later. Two pieces of armour were also stolen in 1983 and returned in 2021.

Q5: What happens next after the Louvre robbery?

The serious crime unit is investigating, forensic work is ongoing, and security reviews are expected as authorities try to recover the stolen jewels.