The Louvre in Paris is probably one of the most famous museums in the world, drawing 8.7 million visitors in 2024. On Sunday, October 19th, it was forced to temporarily close after a daring jewelry heist. The thieves wielded small chainsaws and got away with several pieces of jewelry worth millions.
It is believed that around 9:30am local time, four individuals broke in through a window in an area that is under construction. Two were wearing yellow vests to pose as workers, with the other two on scooters. They also carried small chainsaws and angle grinders to break into the room they were targeting. According to Laurent Nuñez, French Interior Minister, the robbery lasted around seven minutes.
“They stole jewelry from display cases inside the museum and fled on motorcycles. An investigation has begun, and a detailed list of the stolen items is being compiled,” the Louvre’s statement reads. “Beyond their market value, these items have inestimable heritage and historical value. The ministers of culture and the interior are on site with the museum’s management.”
The thieves left with nine pieces from the Napoleon and Empresses Marie-Louise and Eugenie collection. The broken crown of Napoleon III’s wife “was found near the museum,” Rachida Dati, France’s Culture Minister, told Le Figaro. One more piece of jewelry has since been recovered.
The Louvre Closes
After this bizarre robbery, the museum decided to close for the rest of the day and into the week. This is being done to help “preserve evidence” and ensure the security of the building. “All possible measures are being taken to recover the stolen items,” the Louvre adds.
Police and forensic teams have been all over the building since, with soldiers armed with automatic rifles patrolling.
This robbery comes mere weeks after employees brought complaints of overcrowding, not enough workers, and security concerns to museum staff following record number attendees over the summer.
We’ll keep you posted on updates about this strange robbery at the Louvre as the situation develops.
