The Louvre Museum in Paris will remain closed on Monday after a daring robbery that saw eight priceless royal jewels stolen in under seven minutes. The incident marks the first major theft at the world-famous museum since 1998 and has reignited fierce debate over cultural security in France.
According to police, the heist took place on Sunday morning around 9:30 a.m., barely thirty minutes after the museum opened its doors to the public. Four masked individuals, described as a “commando-style unit,” carried out the operation with military precision.
Using a truck equipped with a lift, the thieves broke into the Galerie d’Apollon — home to some of France’s most treasured royal artifacts. Armed with disk cutters, they smashed two reinforced glass display cases containing Napoleon’s jewels and the crown jewels of French monarchs before escaping on two scooters.
Investigators later recovered tools, gloves, and two stolen pieces — including the damaged crown of Empress Eugénie, adorned with more than 1,300 diamonds. The second item has yet to be identified. Authorities believe the thieves were highly skilled professionals possibly linked to an organized crime network.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez confirmed that a special task force of 60 investigators from the anti-gang unit and the Office for Combating Cultural Property Trafficking is leading the manhunt. He noted that the jewels are nearly impossible to sell openly, suggesting the heist may have been commissioned or aimed at laundering the gems.
The robbery has sparked international shock and condemnation. Tourists gathered outside the closed museum on Monday morning, expressing frustration and disbelief.
Rodrigo and Alicia, visitors from Spain, told Euronews they were “deeply disappointed” after purchasing tickets a month in advance. Meanwhile, Elaine and Christina from Ireland described the event as “both shocking and fascinating,” adding that it made them feel “part of history.”
French leaders have strongly condemned the theft. Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin said it sent “a very negative image of France to the world,” calling it a personal loss for the nation. President Emmanuel Macron described the robbery as “an attack on a heritage we cherish.”
The far-right National Rally labeled the theft a “humiliation,” with Marine Le Pen criticizing inadequate security at national museums. Former President François Hollande, however, urged officials to prioritize finding the thieves over political blame.
Concerns about security at the Louvre had surfaced earlier this year. In June, museum employees went on strike over staff shortages, warning that reduced personnel compromised safety. A recent report by France’s Cour des comptes confirmed that one in three rooms in the Denon wing — where the heist occurred — lacked surveillance cameras.
As investigators continue their search, the audacious heist has not only stolen France’s royal jewels but also shaken public confidence in the nation’s ability to safeguard its most treasured cultural symbols.