Paris, France — In a shocking and audacious theft at the world’s most visited museum, a team of thieves made off with priceless French Crown Jewels from the Louvre in just seven minutes Sunday morning, French authorities confirmed.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez described the incident as “a major robbery” that took place in the Apollo Room, which houses historic treasures, including Louis XIV’s hardstone vessel collection. “Individuals entered the museum from outside using an external freight elevator mounted on a truck,” Nuñez told France Inter radio.
The suspects forced open a window with an angle grinder and grabbed jewelry officials say is “priceless” and carries significant sentimental and historical value. Authorities believe three to four perpetrators carried out the theft, fleeing the scene on motorcycles shortly after the raid.
“These items hold immense heritage and historical significance beyond their market value,” Nuñez said. “It was clearly a highly experienced team that had scouted the location in advance. They acted very, very quickly.”
A full inventory of the stolen items is underway, with officials stressing that the pieces cannot easily be replaced. The French Interior Ministry called the theft “a serious blow to national heritage” and confirmed that investigations are ongoing.
Minister of Culture Rachida Dati noted that the robbery occurred just as the museum opened at 9:30 a.m. local time. “Members of the public were evacuated without incident, and no injuries were reported,” Dati said in a post on X (formerly Twitter). She added that she was on-site alongside museum staff and law enforcement as the investigation progressed.
The Louvre decided to close for the rest of Sunday, citing “exceptional reasons,” a move officials said was necessary to preserve evidence and aid the investigation. The museum houses some of the world’s most famous artworks, including Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, making the theft particularly high-profile.
French authorities expressed optimism that the stolen goods and the perpetrators would be recovered. Nuñez said, “I am confident that we will very quickly find the perpetrators and, above all, recover the stolen items.”
Last year, the Louvre welcomed 8.7 million visitors, with Americans accounting for 13% of all guests, second only to French nationals. This makes the theft not just a national concern, but one with international attention, particularly for tourists who travel from the United States and around the world to view the museum’s collections.
Security experts note that the audacity and speed of the heist suggest careful planning and inside knowledge of museum operations. The use of industrial equipment and quick escape on motorcycles point to a highly organized operation. Investigators are analyzing surveillance footage and other evidence to identify the suspects.
While the Louvre has experienced thefts in the past, few have been as bold or swift as Sunday’s raid. The incident has sparked conversations in France and internationally about museum security and the protection of invaluable cultural artifacts.
Officials continue to appeal for information from the public, urging anyone with details about the stolen items or the suspects to come forward. Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies are coordinating efforts to track the items and bring those responsible to justice.
This is a developing story, and updates are expected as French authorities continue their investigation into one of the most high-profile museum thefts in recent history.