The Louvre Museum in Paris was forced to close its doors Sunday after a group of chainsaw-wielding thieves executed a lightning-fast heist, escaping with millions of dollars’ worth of historic jewelry in just seven minutes.
According to a statement obtained by PEOPLE, the robbery occurred at approximately 9:30 a.m. local time on October 19, when several individuals forced their way into the Louvre through a window in the Galerie d’Apollon — the Apollo Gallery — one of the museum’s most famous and opulent exhibition spaces.
“They stole jewelry from display cases inside the museum and fled on motorcycles,” a Louvre spokesperson confirmed. “An investigation has begun, and a detailed list of the stolen items is being compiled. Beyond their market value, these items have inestimable heritage and historical value. The ministers of culture and the interior are on site with the museum’s management.”
Museum officials immediately decided to close the Louvre following the incident, both as a precautionary security measure and to preserve the crime scene while investigators combed through evidence. “All possible measures are being taken to recover the stolen items,” the museum’s statement added.
France’s Culture Minister, Rachida Dati, confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that no injuries were reported among visitors, staff, or police. “I am on site alongside the museum teams and the police. Investigations are underway,” she wrote.
According to France 24, the thieves were armed with small chainsaws and angle grinders, which they used to cut through barriers to reach the targeted display room. The operation reportedly lasted no more than seven minutes.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez told the outlet that authorities believe four individuals were involved. Two of them, disguised as museum maintenance workers in yellow vests, entered the premises, while the other two acted as lookouts and getaway drivers on scooters.
Le Parisien reported that the stolen items included nine pieces of jewelry from the Napoleon and Empresses Marie-Louise and Eugénie collection — treasures of immense historical significance. Culture Minister Dati later confirmed that one piece of jewelry was discovered near the museum, while Le Parisien added that two items in total have since been recovered.
The Apollo Gallery, home to France’s most precious jewels, showcases legendary diamonds such as the Regent, the Sancy, and the Hortensia — once belonging to Napoleon’s second wife, Empress Marie-Louise.
Following the heist, the Louvre announced on X that it “will remain closed today for exceptional reasons.”
Police and forensic teams were seen entering the museum shortly after the robbery, while soldiers armed with automatic rifles patrolled the surrounding area, according to AFP.
The Paris prosecutor’s office has classified the case as an “organized theft” and launched a full-scale investigation into what officials are calling one of the most audacious museum robberies in recent French history.
