Three porcelain masterpieces valued at approximately €9.5 million were stolen during a dramatic break-in at the Adrien Dubouché National Museum in Limoges early Thursday morning. The theft, which occurred around 3:15 a.m., has shocked the French art world and raised concerns about museum security.
According to authorities, the intruders forced entry by smashing a window, triggering the museum’s alarm system. Despite the rapid response from security guards and police, the thieves managed to flee before officers arrived on the scene.
A source close to the investigation, speaking anonymously, revealed that the burglars executed their plan swiftly, heading directly to the historical gallery.
The stolen works include two rare Chinese porcelain dishes dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries, and an 18th-century Chinese vase. All three items are designated “national treasures” under French cultural heritage law.
Limoges public prosecutor Emilie Abrantes confirmed that a formal investigation has been launched into “aggravated theft of cultural property exhibited in a French museum, committed in a group and with damage to property.” Investigators are now reviewing security footage and tracing potential escape routes used by the suspects.
The Adrien Dubouché National Museum, renowned for its extensive collection of 18,000 works, holds the largest public display of Limoges porcelain. It is considered a cornerstone of French cultural heritage, making the theft particularly significant.
Mayor Emile Roger Lombertie, speaking to reporters after the incident, suggested that the crime may have been commissioned. “It is likely that collectors are giving orders to steal these items and are turning to high-level criminals,” he said. He also acknowledged that while the security system functioned as designed, it “may need to be reviewed.”
This theft is the latest in a series of art-related crimes in France. Just one day later, an armed robbery at the Hieron Museum in eastern France resulted in the loss of jewelry worth several million euros. Officials fear the crimes may indicate an organized effort to target high-value cultural artifacts.
Art crime experts note that stolen treasures such as porcelain are difficult to resell on the open market due to their unique and traceable nature. However, private collectors with deep pockets may drive demand through the black market, providing lucrative incentives for criminal groups.
“All the world’s major museums have had items stolen at one time or another,” Mayor Lombertie observed, placing the theft within a broader context of global art crime. Despite these words, local authorities have vowed to strengthen protections and pursue the culprits vigorously.
For now, the missing treasures remain unaccounted for, their disappearance leaving a painful gap in one of France’s most cherished collections. The museum remains open to visitors, though sections of the gallery are closed as forensic experts continue their work.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
