Louvre museum hit by seven-minute jewellery heist as thieves steal priceless crown jewels

French police investigate after Louvre robbers stole nine priceless jewels and escaped on motorbikes

A major robbery took place at the Louvre Museum in Paris early Saturday, October 19, 2025, as thieves made off with jewellery of “incalculable” value in what officials described as a meticulously planned seven-minute operation. The museum — one of the world’s most visited landmarks — was immediately closed for the rest of the day as French authorities launched an extensive investigation, according to BBC News and Reuters.

France’s Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez confirmed that three or four masked individuals broke into the museum around 9:30 a.m. local time (0730 GMT), shortly after it opened. The suspects reportedly entered through the south-east corner of the building, breaking a window to access the Apollo Gallery — home to France’s remaining crown jewels, including pieces dating back to the reign of Louis XIV. They allegedly used a goods lift to reach the upper floor before smashing glass display cases with small chainsaws. Within minutes, the thieves escaped on motorbikes, carrying nine pieces of historic jewellery whose total value is yet to be determined.

The French Interior Ministry emphasized that although no injuries occurred, the cultural and historical worth of the stolen items far outweighs their monetary value. “Beyond their market value, these jewels represent an irreplaceable part of France’s heritage,” the ministry said in a statement.

Forensic experts and police officers sealed off roads surrounding the Louvre, including key areas along the River Seine, as they examined the scene. BBC Paris correspondent Andrew Harding reported that investigators were inspecting a mechanised ladder or furniture elevator left against the museum wall, believed to have been used to access the gallery. Surveillance footage and nearby traffic cameras are also being reviewed.

The Paris Public Prosecutor’s Office confirmed an investigation into “organised theft and criminal conspiracy to commit a crime,” assisted by the Office for the Fight Against Illegal Trafficking of Cultural Goods — a specialized unit that has handled previous high-profile art thefts across Europe.

France’s Culture Minister Rachida Dati visited the Louvre shortly after the robbery, describing it as “a shocking and deeply saddening attack on our shared cultural heritage.” She confirmed that damage assessments were underway and that discussions about enhancing museum security across Paris had been reinitiated.

On its official X (formerly Twitter) account, the Louvre announced it would remain closed “for exceptional reasons,” offering refunds to visitors and promising updates once the investigation progresses. The museum, which attracts about 30,000 visitors each day, houses over 35,000 artworks — including Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo — making it a global symbol of artistic and historical preservation.

This heist, reminiscent of previous high-profile European art thefts, has reignited debate over museum security and the growing black market for stolen cultural artefacts. French authorities are now coordinating with Interpol amid concerns that the jewels could quickly be smuggled abroad or dismantled.