The Louvre, located in the heart of France, is home to some of the most revolutionary art of our time. Recently, the Apollo Gallery experienced a major robbery in which several priceless jewels were stolen. Here is what is known:
The heist occurred in broad daylight on the morning of October 19th. Four thieves reportedly carried out the robbery in a swift eight minutes. They gained access by climbing a ladder attached to the second-floor gallery, threatening the guards, and smashing the display cases. Executing a quick escape, they left bearing eight prized jewels. French police report that the thieves were inside for only four minutes and fled the scene on two scooters.
The stolen treasures include a tiara and brooch belonging to Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III; an emerald necklace and pair of emerald earrings from Empress Marie Louise; a tiara, necklace, and single earring from the sapphire set that belonged to Queen Marie-Amélie and Queen Hortense; and lastly, a brooch known as the “Reliquary Brooch.” The museum immediately closed following the incident and reopened on October 22nd, three days later. The Apollo Gallery, where the disturbance took place, remains closed as part of an active crime scene.
So far, two of the four robbers have been arrested, and the search continues for the remaining suspects. As of today, October 30th, 2025, five additional individuals connected to the case have been taken into custody. Hopefully, the Parisian authorities will be able to recover the missing jewels so visitors of the Louvre can once again admire this irreplaceable piece of human history.
