I WANT TO SEARCH FOR

Thieves steal priceless jewels in seven-minute heist at the Louvre

The suspects escaped with treasures once owned by French queens and empresses

Thieves steal priceless jewels in seven-minute heist at the Louvre
Anterior Seguinte

© Reuters

StarsInsider
20/10/2025 09:00 ‧ 18 hours ago | StarsInsider

TRAVEL

Museums

Thieves carried out a bold, seven-minute heist at the Louvre Museum in Paris on October 19, at around 9:30 am local time, stealing what officials described as “priceless” pieces of jewelry.

According to Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez, the robbers gained access to the museum’s Apollo Gallery by using an external freight elevator mounted on a truck. Once inside, they forced open two high-security display cases and made off with several historic items, including jewels belonging to Empress Marie-Louise and Empress Eugénie, as well as a tiara and necklace once worn by Queen Marie-Amélie and Queen Hortense.

Authorities say four unarmed suspects participated in the raid, threatening security guards with angle grinders before escaping on motorcycles. The French Culture Ministry confirmed that eight of the nine stolen pieces remain missing.

With an average of nine million visits each year, the Louvre is considered the most visited museum in the world. The reason for its success? Naturally, the museum's extraordinary collection of priceless art such as the 'Mona Lisa.' However, big celebrities like Beyoncé have also brought attention to the Louvre by filming a music video there. 

Browse through our pictorial overview of the events and visitors that have defined the Louvre in modern times.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU