A 7‑minute burglary at the Louvre on Sunday took nine of its Napoleon‑era jewels, but a crown of 1,354 diamonds and 56 emeralds was later recovered.
Louvre burglary brief and swift
The robbery took place at around 9:30 a.m. local time and lasted roughly seven minutes. Sources say up to four perpetrators were involved: two dressed as workers in yellow vests on a gondola, and two on scooters. They entered via the Seine side where ongoing renovation work was underway.
They entered the first floor by a freight elevator, smashed a glass door and entered the Apollo Gallery, where France keeps some of its most priceless relics.
Robbers leveraged Seine works
After stealing jewels from the Napoleon collection, including a necklace and a brooch, they fled on scooters toward the Parisian highway. Reports claim the wheels were abandoned near the Museum premises.
Stolen Napoleon collection jewels
Among the nine stolen pieces were valuable items from the Napoleon collection. The catalogue lists a notable necklace and a brooch among the stolen items.
Recovered crown found
Culture Minister Rachida Dati confirmed that one jewel was recovered. AFP reports that the item is Empress Eugénie’s crown, consisting of 1,354 diamonds and 56 emeralds, and it was reportedly damaged. Media also reported the recovery of a scooter abandoned by the thieves.
Official responses
Laurent Nunez, head of the Ministry of Culture, said the attack “is an assault on our history and heritage.” The Louvre closed that day “for routine reasons,” and visitors were promised refunds. The Élysée Palace confirmed that President Emmanuel Macron was kept fully informed.
Political scrutiny rises
Senator Ian Brossat of the French Communist Party urged rapid police action to identify and prosecute the culprits and recover the stolen items. He cited the museum’s closure on 16 June due to a staff strike warning of insufficient security staff, questioning why the minister did not heed the warnings.
