Priceless Jewels Stolen in Daring Heist at the Louvre Museum in Paris
A daring theft of jewels of “inestimable value” from the Louvre Museum in Paris forced the museum’s closure today, October 19, 2025, officials confirmed.
The thieves gained entry around 9:30 a.m. local time (3:30 a.m. ET) by using a ladder mounted on the back of a truck to access an exterior window of the Galerie d’Apollon, according to French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez. They broke the window with a disc cutter and stole jewels from the area housing the French crown jewels before escaping on motor scooters. Nuñez stated that “manifestly a team that had done scouting” was involved, estimating the number of thieves at three or four. This theft highlights the ongoing challenges of securing world-renowned cultural institutions.
French Culture Minister Rachida Dati reported that one jewel was recovered near the museum and is currently being evaluated, adding that the entire heist lasted approximately four minutes. “No injuries were reported,” Dati said earlier on social media. The Galerie d’Apollon displays hardstone vessels, the French Crown Jewels, and historic diamonds, as detailed on the Louvre Museum website. The evacuation of the museum was necessary, Nuñez explained, “mainly to preserve evidence and clues so that investigators could work undisturbed.”
An investigation into organized theft and criminal conspiracy has been launched by the Paris public prosecutor’s office. Nuñez expressed confidence in a swift resolution, stating, “I expect we will very soon find the thieves and jewels.” For more information on art theft and security measures, see the Interpol’s Cultural Property and Art Crime unit.
Authorities are continuing their investigation and expect to apprehend the suspects and recover the stolen items in the coming days.
