Louvre Heist: How Thieves Broke in, Stole Jewelry in Just 7 Minutes

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The Louvre just found itself in a real-life heist movie.

As a lifestyle expert, I was shocked to hear the news! Just minutes after opening its doors on October 19th, the Louvre – you know, the most popular museum in the world – was targeted by thieves. Apparently, a group of four people managed to steal nine incredibly valuable pieces from France’s crown jewel collection. It’s a real blow to art and history!

According to NBC News and sources close to the investigation, the thieves used a furniture lift truck – typically used to reach upper floors – to access the museum. They drove the truck to the balcony of the Galerie d’Apollon and cut through a window to get inside.

Oh my god, you will NOT believe this! They actually used *angle-grinders* – can you even imagine?! – to get into the museum. Angle-grinders! Then they just smashed the cases where all the most incredible necklaces, tiaras, and brooches were displayed. It was so fast, apparently only seven minutes! Thankfully, nobody got hurt, which is a relief, but still… they took everything! I’m just devastated for the museum and for anyone who loved seeing those pieces. It’s just… unbelievable.

The stolen items included an emerald and diamond necklace and earrings that Napoleon Bonaparte gifted to his wife, Marie Louise, and a sapphire necklace belonging to Napoleon’s stepdaughter, Hortense.

The tiara of Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III, was also stolen. Authorities reported the crown – adorned with eight gold eagles, 1,354 diamonds, 1,136 rose-cut diamonds, and 56 emeralds – was discovered damaged nearby, apparently dropped by the thieves as they fled on scooters.

The jewelry has “sentimental value and is priceless,” French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said.

As a huge fan of the museum, it’s been so disappointing that it’s been shut down ever since the robbery. I was really heartened to hear President Macron emphasize how crucial it is to find the missing artworks – it shows how much importance is being placed on getting them back!

 

In a statement on October 19th, he described the Louvre theft as an attack on our shared history and cultural heritage. He assured the public that the stolen artworks would be recovered and those responsible would be prosecuted.

(NBC News and TopMob News are both part of NBCUniversal.)

According to Chris Marinello, CEO of the stolen jewelry recovery firm Art Recovery International, if the items aren’t located quickly – within a day or two – they’re likely lost for good.

He told the BBC World Service’s Newshour that the stolen items are being dismantled quickly. According to him, the thieves will destroy the objects, melt down the precious metals, and recut any valuable stones to cover up their crime.

Police, he said, ” may catch the criminals but they won’t recover the jewels.”

The museum has been closed ever since the robbery, and President Emmanuel Macron has emphasized how crucial it is to find the missing items.

In a statement on October 19th, he explained that the Louvre theft was an attack on our shared history and cultural heritage. He assured the public that the stolen artworks would be recovered and those responsible would be prosecuted.

(NBC News and TopMob News are both part of NBCUniversal.)

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2025-10-20 18:17