Louvre Transfers Priceless Jewels to Bank of France Following High-Profile Heist

On October 19, 2025, four masked thieves executed a bold robbery at the Louvre Museum's Apollo Gallery in Paris, making off with eight pieces of jewellery valued at approximately €88 million ($102 million). These jewels, historically significant and once owned by French queens and empresses, were stolen after the thieves smashed two display cases in the museum during opening hours, reportedly using a crane to gain access.

In response to the heist and heightened concerns over museum security, the Louvre has transferred the stolen jewels under police escort to the Bank of France. The priceless artifacts are now secured in a high-security vault 26 metres underground, the same facility that safeguards around 90% of France's gold reserves and other invaluable items, such as Leonardo da Vinci's notebooks valued at over €600 million.

The theft has led to the immediate evacuation and closure of the Louvre and sparked a national debate on the adequacy of the museum's security measures. Despite extensive investigations, authorities have yet to locate any trace of the thieves or the stolen jewels, compounding the embarrassment and concern for French cultural heritage.

The extraordinary step to move the jewels to the Bank of France reflects the gravity of the incident and the imperative of protecting France’s cultural treasures from further risk. It underscores the vulnerabilities exposed by the audacious robbery, prompting calls for a reassessment of security protocols at one of the world’s most visited museums.