Thieves broke into the Louvre Museum on Sunday morning, successfully fleeing with jewelry after multiple individuals forced entry into the Paris landmark, Le Parisien reported. The museum remained shuttered for the remainder of the day following the brazen theft.
Initial investigative findings revealed the perpetrators, all wearing full face coverings, gained building access from the Seine embankment side where renovation work currently proceeds, according to Le Parisien. The criminals utilized a freight elevator to reach their intended target directly within the Apollo Gallery.
The artwork entitled 'Autoportrait 1791' by French painter Jacques-Louis David is on display at the 'Jacques-Louis David' exhibition at the Louvre Museum in Paris, France, 14 October 2025
Following the shattering of protective glass panels, two men entered the display area while a third remained stationed outside, Le Parisien stated. The robbers seized nine items from the Napoleon and Empress jewelry collection, including necklaces, brooches and a tiara.
Internal Louvre sources confirmed to Le Parisien that the renowned Regent diamond – the collection's largest gem weighing more than 140 carats (308 pounds) – remained untouched during the theft. Authorities continue calculating the total financial loss.
Culture Minister Rachida Dati confirmed no casualties resulted from the incident, Le Parisien noted.
Investigation sources revealed to Le Parisien that the perpetrators departed the scene aboard a TMax motorcycle, heading toward the A6 highway.
The Apollo Gallery stands as one of the Louvre Museum and Palace's most emblematic spaces, housing portions of the institution's most valuable historical collections, Le Parisien reported. Following extensive renovation and museographic redesign work conducted by the museum, the gallery officially reopened to visitors on January 15, 2020.
