It’s Been 9 Days Since the Louvre Heist – Here’s What We Know Now
It’s been just over a week since one of the boldest museum robberies in decades: a daylight heist at the Louvre that stunned Parisians and art lovers around the world. Here’s the latest on what’s happened since.
The Heist, In Brief
The Louvre heist unfolded in broad daylight on October 19, when four men disguised as construction workers pulled up to the museum’s Seine-facing side. Using a lift truck, they broke into the Galerie d’Apollon, shattered two display cases, and escaped with eight royal jewels. The entire operation lasted just seven minutes, with the thieves inside for only four.
Two Suspects Arrested
Two men in their early thirties have been arrested in connection with the Louvre operation. One was caught at Charles de Gaulle Airport as he prepared to leave France, while the other was detained in the Paris area, but also had imminent plans to leave the country. Both men lived in the Paris suburbs of Seine-Saint-Denis and had prior burglary records.
New Security Footage Emerges
Security cameras appear to have captured part of the escape. The footage shows two masked figures descending the basket lift from the second-floor window of the Louvre before jumping onto scooters and disappearing along the Seine.
DNA Found at the Scene
Forensic teams recovered around 150 DNA samples from the Galerie d’Apollon and the basket lift area. One of those traces led investigators to one of the suspects now in custody.
What Was Stolen
Officials estimate the stolen jewels are worth around €88 million (about $102 million). The thieves made off with eight pieces, including a sapphire tiara, necklace, and earring once linked to Queens Marie-Amélie and Hortense; an emerald necklace and earrings belonging to Empress Marie-Louise; and a reliquary brooch, a diamond bow brooch, and a pearl and diamond tiara owned by Empress Eugénie. Eugénie’s emerald-and-diamond crown was also taken but later recovered outside the museum—damaged, though repairable.
The Galerie d’Apollon Remains Closed
The Louvre was closed for several days following the robbery but has since reopened. However, the Galerie d’Apollon, where the jewels were displayed, remains closed to visitors while the investigation continues.
The Other Jewels Are Now Stored Underground
In response to the theft, the Louvre has moved its most valuable jewels to the Bank of France. They’re now stored in one of the country’s most secure vaults, located 26 meters (85 feet) below ground in central Paris.
The Investigation Widens
The Paris prosecutor’s office initially assigned 60 officers to the case, but that number has now grown to more than 100 under the supervision of France’s Interior Ministry. So far, none of the jewels have been reported as recovered.
The German Connection
A small, family-run German machinery company was unexpectedly tied to the Louvre heist after thieves used their Böcker Agilo furniture lift to reach the gallery window. When the story made headlines, Böcker posted a cheeky ad highlighting the lift’s ability to carry “up to 400 kg of treasures at 42 meters per minute – as quiet as a whisper,” while adding that they were deeply saddened by the theft.
Government Response
Amid criticism that staff and budget cuts left museums vulnerable, the Louvre’s director was questioned by French senators last week, and President Macron ordered faster security upgrades nationwide. Officials revealed that only a third of the Louvre has camera coverage, and in the Galerie d’Apollon, the camera faced away from the window the thieves used. Culture Minister Rachida Dati noted that securing France’s historic buildings adds extra complexity.
