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Statement Regarding the Robbery at the Louvre

Published: October 20, 2025

Below is a translation of the statement released by France’s Ministry of Culture. The original press release is also attached.

This is a developing story. If you have any questions, please contact us at jbell@aflouvre.org.

PRESS RELEASE

Ministry of Culture Delegation for Information and Communication
Paris, October 19, 2025.

Information regarding the burglary that occurred this Sunday, October 19, at the Louvre Museum.

This Sunday, October 19, the Louvre Museum experienced a burglary in the Apollo Gallery, which houses the royal collection of gems and the Crown diamonds. Two high-security display cases were targeted, and eight objects of invaluable heritage value were stolen, including:

  • Diadem of the set of the Queen Marie-Amélie and Queen Hortense
  • Necklace of the sapphire set of Queen Marie-Amélie and Queen Hortense
  • Earring from a pair of the sapphire set of Queen Marie-Amélie and Queen Hortense
  • Emerald necklace from the set of Marie-Louise
  • Pair of emerald earrings from the set of Marie-Louise
  • Brooch known as reliquary brooch
  • Diadem of Empress Eugénie
  • Large corsage bow of Empress Eugénie (brooch)

The alarms located on the exterior window of the Apollo Gallery as well as on the two targeted display cases were triggered. At the time of the break-in, which was particularly quick and brutal, the five museum agents present in the room and in the adjacent spaces immediately intervened to apply the security protocol: contact with law enforcement and priority protection of individuals.

Thanks to the professionalism and quick interventions of the Louvre agents, the criminals were put to flight, leaving behind their equipment as well as one of the stolen objects, namely the crown of Empress Eugénie, which is currently under examination. An attempt to set fire to the mechanical vehicle used by the criminals was prevented thanks to the intervention of a Louvre museum agent, with the burglar being put to flight. There were no injuries, neither among the public nor among the agents.

The Minister of Culture wishes to thank the agents of the Louvre Museum for their responsiveness and great professionalism. She wishes to remind that as part of the Louvre New Renaissance project announced by the President of the Republic last January, a new security master plan is being integrated, which is beginning to be deployed:

  • Compliance with security measures that improve with the deployment of next-generation cameras
  • Perimeter detection
  • New security control center.

An investigation for organized theft and conspiracy to commit a crime has been opened and entrusted to the Brigade for the Suppression of Banditry (BRB) under the authority of the Paris prosecutor’s office.

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