The iconic French art museum was closed after criminals reportedly stole several pieces of Napoleon-linked jewelry
The Louvre Museum in Paris has been closed for the day after a robbery on Sunday, local officials have said. Unconfirmed media reports claimed that several criminals stole nine pieces from the Napoleonic jewelry collection.
The incident was reported by French Culture Minister Rachida Dati, who said on X that“a robbery took place this morning at the opening of the Louvre Museum.”She added that there are no reports of injuries and that a police investigation is underway. The minister provided no further details.
The museum itself said that it will remain closed for the day due to“exceptional reasons.”
👀 This morning, the Louvre in Paris was broken into and Napoleon's jewels were stolen.pic.twitter.com/BBfU9mWOKu
— Conflict Radar (@Conflict_Radar)October 19, 2025
The newspaper Le Parisien reported, citing a preliminary investigation, that several hooded criminals broke into the world’s most visited art museum through a building where construction work is ongoing, and then used a freight elevator to access a room in the Apollo Gallery.
The latter houses part of France’s historic royal jewelry collection, including crowns and precious gems that once belonged to the French monarchy and imperial rulers.
The thieves reportedly stole nine pieces from the jewelry collection of Napoleon and the Empress, including a necklace, a brooch, a tiara, and several other items, according to the paper. However, the 140-carat Regent Diamond, estimated to be worth more than $60 million, reportedly remained in place.
