The Louvre transferred parts of its jewellery collection to the Bank of France vaults on Friday after a major theft shocked Paris. French radio network RTL reported that police escorted the transfer discreetly to prevent further risk.
The collection reportedly included pieces from the Apollo Gallery known as the “Crown Jewels,” along with other historic ornaments from different exhibits. The vault, located 27 metres beneath the Bank of France headquarters, already stores 90% of the nation’s gold reserves. Museum officials ordered the move as a precaution following last week’s daring heist.
Thieves Pull Off Six-Minute Heist in Broad Daylight
Last week, several thieves stormed the Louvre in broad daylight and stole eight precious jewels. They used a basket lift to reach a balcony connected to the Apollo Gallery, forced open a window, and smashed display cases. The robbers then fled the scene on two-wheelers after completing the heist in less than seven minutes.
Investigators estimate the stolen jewels are worth €88 million, excluding their immense historical significance. The Paris prosecutor said the theft represents one of the largest art-related crimes in recent French history.
Public Fury Mounts as Security Failures Exposed
The robbery provoked widespread anger across France. Lawmakers condemned the theft as a “national humiliation” and demanded immediate reforms to museum security systems. Officials admitted that the Louvre had warned for years about underinvestment in surveillance and staffing.
The theft reflects a broader trend of museum robberies across Europe. In France alone, at least four museums have been targeted in recent months. Authorities have now deployed additional security forces to safeguard other cultural sites and prevent another embarrassment of this scale.
