In a coup that surprised visitors and authorities, a group of thieves took eight jewels of inestimable heritage value from the Louvre Museum, including the diadem of Empress Eugenie and two necklaces, according to the French Ministry of Culture.
A ninth object, the crown of Empress Eugenie, was abandoned during the escape and is being evaluated by specialists.
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The robbery occurred around 9:30 in the morningin the Apollo Gallerywhere the French crown jewels are displayed. Witnesses reported that the criminals, apparently disguised as museum workers, took advantage of renovation works near the façade facing the Seine to enter.
With cutting tools, they broke the glass of two high security showcasesquickly extracting the objects and escaping within minutes.
During the escape, the thieves headed towards the avenue A6, using two motorcycles to leave the place; In their hasty escape, they left behind the crown of Empress Eugenia, which was damaged.
Report of theft at the Louvre Museum
According to the Ministry of Culturethe stolen pieces are of incalculable historical and symbolic value, and represent an essential part of the Napoleonic heritage and the Second French Empire.
Eight jewels “of inestimable heritage value”, including the diadem of Empress Eugenie and two necklaces, were stolen during the robbery this Sunday at the Louvre museum in Paris, the French Ministry of Culture announced in a statement.
A ninth object, the crown of Empress Eugenie, was abandoned by the thieves during their escape and its condition is “being examined,” the ministry detailed. “Two high-security display cases” were the subject of the robbery, he added.
He Louvre It closed its doors immediately to preserve evidence and collaborate with investigations. Authorities deployed units specialized in high-profile robberies, while reviewing security recordings and escape routes. The Minister of the Interior, Laurent Nuñez, described the blow as “professional and planned”and the minister of Culture, Rachida Datahighlighted the precision of the criminals, who acted without violence.
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The impact of the theft transcends the material: the stolen jewels are part of French history and the cultural identity of the Louvreone of the most visited museums in the world. The speed and audacity of the thieves demonstrate a significant challenge in the protection of heritage, as the museum and authorities seek to secure the pieces and guarantee the security of their future exhibits.