Heist at the Louvre a year later

A year after the October 19, 2025, heist at the Louvre Museum, the institution continues to deal with the aftermath of the theft, which involved two men breaking into the Apollo Gallery and stealing nine 19th-century jewels worth 88 million euros.

Thieves' method and stolen items

The thieves used an elevator mounted on a breakdown truck and a ladder to reach the first floor, cutting through glass cases with angle grinders before fleeing on scooters. They left behind the severely damaged crown of Empress Eugénie, which was later found to be deformed but restorable.

Restoration of the crown

The Louvre announced in February 2026 that the crown could be fully restored without reconstruction. The restoration, which involves analyses and consultation with a scientific committee, is expected to begin after necessary preparations are made.

Security flaws exposed

The heist exposed significant security vulnerabilities at the Louvre, including outdated surveillance systems, insufficient camera coverage, and a lack of real-time monitoring. An administrative investigation found that while the alarm systems functioned properly, several malfunctions allowed the offenders to proceed with their plan.

Previous warnings ignored

A 2019 report had already noted the fragility of the window through which the thieves entered, but no action was taken. The Cour des comptes later criticized the Louvre's financial management, pointing out that between 2018 and 2024, the museum prioritized visible operations over security upgrades.

Louvre's security improvements

In response to the heist, the French Ministry of Culture unveiled a plan of 33 measures aimed at enhancing security for vulnerable museums. The Louvre itself has taken steps to improve its security, including installing perimeter cameras, securing access points, and renovating its security control center.

New leadership and challenges

The Louvre's new president, Christophe Leribault, has emphasized the complexity of implementing a comprehensive security overhaul, noting that the Louvre's vast size and historical significance make such efforts challenging. The museum's year has also been marked by additional challenges, including internal strikes, water leaks, and heating problems.

Leadership changes and new plans

The museum's former president, Laurence des Cars, resigned in February 2026, citing the need for a new leadership approach. Leribault has also addressed the social tensions within the museum, proposing a "strike exit protocol" to the unions. Meanwhile, the Louvre is also navigating the political and financial implications of the "Louvre - New Renaissance" project, a 1 billion euro renovation plan announced by President Emmanuel Macron.

Stolen jewelry still missing

Regarding the stolen jewelry, investigators have reconstructed the thieves' methods but have yet to identify any potential instigator. The eight pieces, including two diadems, two necklaces, two pairs of earrings, a brooch, and a large corsage bow, remain untraceable. Their historical value is high, but their market value would be significantly diminished if sold.

Expertise offered for crown restoration

The five historic French jewelry houses—Mellerio, Chaumet, Cartier, Boucheron, and Van Cleef&Arpels—have offered their expertise for the restoration of the Empress Eugénie's crown, which is expected to undergo a reshaping of its framework rather than reconstruction.