A burglary at the Louvre Museum in the heart of Paris sent shockwaves through the cultural world on Sunday, October 19, 2025. According to Culture Minister Rachida Dati, the theft occurred early in the morning when the famous museum on Rue de Rivoli opened. In response to this major incident, the Louvre's management announced on social media that the site would be closed immediately "for exceptional reasons." No injuries were reported.
The site, which is usually very busy at weekends, was evacuated and remained closed to the public while investigations were carried out on Sunday and Monday. And there is good news for visitors: the museum reopened on Wednesday, October 22, as indicated on its website.
According to initial findings from the investigation, as explained by our colleagues at Le Parisien, several hooded individuals entered the building by forcing an entrance on the Seine side, which is currently under construction. The perpetrators reportedly used a freight elevator to reach the Apollo Gallery, where historical jewelry is on display. After cutting through the windows with an angle grinder, as the Minister of the Interior explained to Franceinfo, two men entered the room while a third stood guard outside. According to Laurent Nuñez, the burglary lasted seven minutes.
The thieves are believed to have stolen nine items (one of which was found in the street after falling during the getaway) from the jewelry collection of Napoleon andEmpress Josephine, including a necklace, a brooch, and a tiara. The exact value of the loss has not yet been assessed, but the stolen items are of significant heritage value. According to initial witness statements, the criminals fled on a TMax scooter, heading towards the A6 motorway.
On site, forensic scientists and the Louvre's security teams have made their initial findings. The Ministry of Culture has confirmed that an investigation has been launched to identify the perpetrators of the burglary and recover the stolen works. Rachida Dati has indicated that she is personally monitoring the progress of the case.
The museum, which welcomes millions of visitors each year, will remain closed until further notice. The event raises once again the issue of security in Paris's major cultural institutions, which have already faced attempted thefts in the past.
This burglary highlights the vulnerability of cultural institutions to organized crime. The Louvre, guardian of some of the world's most precious collections, has seen part of its heritage compromised by this audacious act. While no injuries have been reported, the shock remains significant in the world of culture and heritage.
The Paris public prosecutor's office told BFMTV that an investigation into organized theft and criminal conspiracy has been opened. The investigation has been entrusted to the judicial police's anti-crime brigade, in collaboration withthe Central Office for the Fight against Trafficking in Cultural Property (OCBC). The public prosecutor's office states that the amount of the loss is currently being assessed.
The authorities have not yet announced when the museum will reopen, except to say that it will remain closed for the entire day, according to our colleagues at Franceinfo. Visitors are invited to consult the Louvre's official channels to follow developments. In addition, the museum states on its website that "those who have booked a visit for this date will receive a refund." Please also note that traffic on the Quai François Mitterrand, around the Carrousel bridge, is blocked. If you need to take your car, please use an alternative route.
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