Daring robbery at world-famous Louvre Museum in Paris; precious jewels of ‘incalculable value’ stolen
New Delhi: A robbery occurred at the Louvre Museum in Paris, the French capital, on Sunday, 19 October 2025. Nine jewels from Napoleon’s collection have gone missing. The perpetrators entered the museum building from the side facing the Seine River. They took advantage of the ongoing construction work. They then used the freight elevator to reach the Apollo Gallery. The robbers then stole nine precious jewels from Napoleon and the Empress’s jewellery collection.
About Apollo Gallery
The Apollo Gallery, which was targeted by the robbers, houses what is left of the French crown jewels. These were largely lost or sold after the French Revolution, but some precious items remained. The items kept there included those acquired after the Revolution for the Emperor Napoleon, his nephew Napoleon III, and their wives, the empresses Marie-Louise and Eugenie.
The most precious items in the gallery were three diamonds known as the Regent, the Sancy and the Hortensia, according to the Louvre’s website.
The French Interior Ministry said that a precise list of what was stolen is being drawn up. Beyond their commercial value, the ministry says the items have an incalculable historical and cultural value.
Building closed
Following the theft at France’s Louvre Museum on Sunday, the building was closed for the day. French Culture Minister Rachida Dati wrote in a post on Instagram that the theft occurred this morning when the Louvre opened. Agencies have considered it a robbery.
No one injured in the incident
Dati said no injuries were reported. Dati said she was at the scene, and an investigation was underway. The Louvre Museum stated that the museum would remain closed for “exceptional reasons.” The museum did not provide any further details about the robbery. Several valuable items are reported missing in the incident.
Paris police have confirmed that more than one intruder entered the building. Law enforcement officials are working to clarify the circumstances of the robbery and complete the list of the stolen items. No official information has been released regarding the motive, suspects, or methods of the crime, citing the police’s ongoing investigation.
Why the Louvre is special
The Louvre Museum in Paris is one of the world’s largest museums. It attracts the largest number of visitors worldwide, thanks to its collection of works from prehistoric times to the nineteenth century. The Louvre is located on the right bank of the Seine River. The museum building was formerly the Louvre Palace. Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa painting is a special attraction.
News