<p>French authorities have arrested two men suspected of being involved in the brazen heist that took place at the Louvre Museum last week, according to French media reports. One of the suspects was detained around 10 pm on Saturday (Oct 25) at Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport as he was about to board an international flight. The second was arrested shortly after in the Paris region.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The two men are suspected of being part of four-man crew that robbed the world-renowned museum of its priceless crown jewels in broad daylight. The theives, who broke into the Apollo Gallery, managed the heist in just seven minutes shortly after the museum opened and fled with eight French imperial jewels worth an estimated $102 million. Dozens of investigators have been tasked with catching the culprits and retreiving the precious jewels.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The stolen items include an emerald-and-diamond necklace that Napoleon I gave his wife, Empress Marie-Louise, and a diadem that once belonged to the Empress Eugenie, which is dotted with nearly 2,000 diamonds.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Following the audacious theft, French authorities found a broken crown near the museum that once belonged to Empress Eugenie, the wife of Napoleon III. The crown is covered in 1,354 diamonds and 56 emeralds. The director of the Louvre, Laurence des Cars, said on Wednesday (Oct 22) that the initial assessment of the crown suggests that it could be restored.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Des Cars also admitted that there was inadequate security camera coverage of the outside walls of the museum. “Despite our efforts, despite our hard work on a daily basis, we failed,” she told lawmakers in her first public statement since the robbery. She added that while all alarms had functioned during the heist, security cameras did not adequately cover the thieves’ point of entry.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“The only camera installed is directed westward and therefore did not cover the balcony involved in the break-in,” she said. “There are some perimeter cameras, but they are ageing.” Surveillance of the museum’s outside walls “is highly insufficient.”</p>

French authorities have arrested two men suspected of being involved in the brazen heist that took place at the Louvre Museum last week, according to French media reports.

French authorities have arrested two men suspected of being involved in the brazen heist that took place at the Louvre Museum last week, according to French media reports. One of the suspects was detained around 10 pm on Saturday (Oct 25) at Paris-Charles de Gaulle airport as he was about to board an international flight. The second was arrested shortly after in the Paris region. The two men are suspected of being part of four-man crew that robbed the world-renowned museum of its priceless crown jewels in broad daylight. The theives, who broke into the Apollo Gallery, managed the heist in just seven minutes shortly after the museum opened and fled with eight French imperial jewels worth an estimated $102 million. Dozens of investigators have been tasked with catching the culprits and retreiving the precious jewels. The stolen items include an emerald-and-diamond necklace that Napoleon I gave his wife, Empress Marie-Louise, and a diadem that once belonged to the Empress Eugenie, which is dotted with nearly 2,000 diamonds. Following the audacious theft, French authorities found a broken crown near the museum that once belonged to Empress Eugenie, the wife of Napoleon III. The crown is covered in 1,354 diamonds and 56 emeralds. The director of the Louvre, Laurence des Cars, said on Wednesday (Oct 22) that the initial assessment of the crown suggests that it could be restored. Des Cars also admitted that there was inadequate security camera coverage of the outside walls of the museum. “Despite our efforts, despite our hard work on a daily basis, we failed,” she told lawmakers in her first public statement since the robbery. She added that while all alarms had functioned during the heist, security cameras did not adequately cover the thieves’ point of entry. “The only camera installed is directed westward and therefore did not cover the balcony involved in the break-in,” she said. “There are some perimeter cameras, but they are ageing.” Surveillance of the museum’s outside walls “is highly insufficient.”

<p>French authorities have arrested two men suspected of being involved in the brazen heist that took place at the Louvre Museum last week, according to French media reports.</p>

Louvre heist: Two men arrested over suspicion of being involved in robbery

<p>Days after the brazen heist at France’s iconic Louvre museum, the German company that manufactured the freight lift used in the crime by thieves has seized the opportunity to promote their device by posting tongue-in-cheek adverts on social media that quickly went viral. Böcker Maschinenwerke GmbH, a lifting equipment maker based near Dortmund, advertised the truck, posting a picture of it outside the Paris museum.</p><p>“IF YOU’RE IN A HURRY. The Böcker Agilo carries your treasures up to 400 kg at 42 m/min,” the caption read. “Quiet as a whisper thanks to its 230 V electric motor.”</p>

<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DQMWps8goRf/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding:16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DQMWps8goRf/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"> <div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><svg width="50px" height="50px" viewBox="0 0 60 60" version="1.1" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g stroke="none" stroke-width="1" fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd"><g transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)" fill="#000000"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"><div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"></div> <div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DQMWps8goRf/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Böcker Maschinenwerke GmbH (@boeckermaschinenwerke)</a></p></div></blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script>

<p>Alexander Böcker, managing director of the company, told AFP that the lift was sold “a few years ago to a French customer who rents this type of equipment in Paris and the surrounding area.” Similar equipment is commonly seen around Paris, where most apartment buildings have small or no elevators.</p><p>The thieves who stole the French crown jewels from the Louvre last week used one such truck to break into the Apollo Gallery shortly after the opening of the museum in broad daylight and managed to flee with eight precious pieces. The stolen items include an emerald-and-diamond necklace that Napoleon I gave his wife, Empress Marie-Louise, and a diadem that once belonged to the Empress Eugenie, which is dotted with nearly 2,000 diamonds. The entire heist was done within seven minutes.</p><p>“They removed the customer's labelling and replaced the license plates,” Böcker said.</p><p>Böcker, 42, and his wife quickly recognised the furniture house as being one of theirs while watching the news of the audacious heist.</p><p>“When it became clear that no one had been injured in the robbery, we took it with a touch of humour” and “started thinking about how we could perhaps use this,” he said.</p><p>“It was, of course, an opportunity for us to use the most famous and most visited museum in the world to get a little attention for our company,” he added. “The crime is, of course, absolutely reprehensible, that’s completely clear to us.”</p>

The thieves who stole the French crown jewels from the Louvre last week used one such truck to break into the Apollo Gallery shortly after the opening of the museum in broad daylight and managed to flee with eight precious pieces.

Days after the brazen heist at France’s iconic Louvre museum, the German company that manufactured the freight lift used in the crime by thieves has seized the opportunity to promote their device by posting tongue-in-cheek adverts on social media that quickly went viral. Böcker Maschinenwerke GmbH, a lifting equipment maker based near Dortmund, advertised the truck, posting a picture of it outside the Paris museum. “IF YOU’RE IN A HURRY. The Böcker Agilo carries your treasures up to 400 kg at 42 m/min,” the caption read. “Quiet as a whisper thanks to its 230 V electric motor.”

<p>The thieves who stole the French crown jewels from the Louvre last week used one such truck to break into the Apollo Gallery shortly after the opening of the museum in broad daylight and managed to flee with eight precious pieces.</p>

‘Quiet as a whisper’: German firm flaunts freight lift used in Louvre heist

<p>Following the brazen heist last week, the Louvre has reportedly transferred some of its most precious jewels to the Bank of France. On Sunday (Oct 18), the world-renowned museum in Paris was struck with chaos after thieves broke in, robbing it of its priceless French imperial jewels in broad daylight, exposing the museum’s security vulnerability. The thieves managed to flee with eight other items with an estimated value of $102 million, including an emerald and diamond necklace that Napoleon I gave his wife, Empress Marie Louise.</p><p>French radio RTL reported, citing anonymous sources, that some precious items from the museum’s Apollo gallery, which was targeted in the recent robbery, were moved on Friday (Oct 24) under secret police escort. The Bank of France, which also stores the country’s gold reserves in a massive 27 metres (88 feet) underground vault, is located on the Right Bank of the River Seine, about 500 metres away from the museum.</p><p>No official statement regarding the moving of the French crown jewels has been given by the Louvre or the Bank of France.</p><p>Earlier on Wednesday (Oct 22), the director of the Louvre, Laurence des Cars, admitted that there was inadequate security camera coverage of the outside walls of the museum.</p><p>“Despite our efforts, despite our hard work on a daily basis, we failed,” des Cars told lawmakers in her first public statement since the robbery. She added that while all alarms had functioned during the heist, security cameras did not adequately cover the thieves’ point of entry.</p><p>“The only camera installed is directed westward and therefore did not cover the balcony involved in the break-in,” she said. “There are some perimeter cameras, but they are ageing.” Surveillance of the museum’s outside walls “is highly insufficient.”</p><p>Des Cars said she had tendered her resignation following the theft on Sunday, but the culture ministry had refused it. She also said that the 19th-century crown, which once belonged to Empress Eugenie, the wife of Napoleon III, could be restored following an initial assessment. The crown was dropped by the thieves and found in a broken condition near the museum following the audacious theft.<br>&nbsp;</p>

Earlier on Wednesday (Oct 22), the director of the Louvre, Laurence des Cars, admitted that there was inadequate security camera coverage of the outside walls of the museum.

Following the brazen heist last week, the Louvre has reportedly transferred some of its most precious jewels to the Bank of France. On Sunday (Oct 18), the world-renowned museum in Paris was struck with chaos after thieves broke in, robbing it of its priceless French imperial jewels in broad daylight, exposing the museum’s security vulnerability. The thieves managed to flee with eight other items with an estimated value of $102 million, including an emerald and diamond necklace that Napoleon I gave his wife, Empress Marie Louise. French radio RTL reported, citing anonymous sources, that some precious items from the museum’s Apollo gallery, which was targeted in the recent robbery, were moved on Friday (Oct 24) under secret police escort. The Bank of France, which also stores the country’s gold reserves in a massive 27 metres (88 feet) underground vault, is located on the Right Bank of the River Seine, about 500 metres away from the museum. No official statement regarding the moving of the French crown jewels has been given by the Louvre or the Bank of France. Earlier on Wednesday (Oct 22), the director of the Louvre, Laurence des Cars, admitted that there was inadequate security camera coverage of the outside walls of the museum. “Despite our efforts, despite our hard work on a daily basis, we failed,” des Cars told lawmakers in her first public statement since the robbery. She added that while all alarms had functioned during the heist, security cameras did not adequately cover the thieves’ point of entry. “The only camera installed is directed westward and therefore did not cover the balcony involved in the break-in,” she said. “There are some perimeter cameras, but they are ageing.” Surveillance of the museum’s outside walls “is highly insufficient.” Des Cars said she had tendered her resignation following the theft on Sunday, but the culture ministry had refused it. She also said that the 19th-century crown, which once belonged to Empress Eugenie, the wife of Napoleon III, could be restored following an initial assessment. The crown was dropped by the thieves and found in a broken condition near the museum following the audacious theft.

<p>Earlier on Wednesday (Oct 22), the director of the Louvre, Laurence des Cars, admitted that there was inadequate security camera coverage of the outside walls of the museum.</p>

Did Louvre move its precious jewels to Bank of France following brazen heist? Here’s what report claims

In addition to the Louvre's wild history of robbery, on Oct 19, four thieves robbed the museum of precious and priceless crown jewels in just seven minutes and fled the scene in a Hollywood movie-style getaway.

<p>In addition to the Louvre's wild history of robbery, on Oct 19, four thieves robbed the museum of precious and priceless crown jewels in just seven minutes and fled the scene in a Hollywood movie-style getaway.</p>

From the Mona Lisa to Crown Jewels: Heists and history, the Louvre's most infamous thefts

<p>The Louvre Museum in Paris on Sunday (Oct 18) was struck with chaos after thieves robbed the world-renowned museum of its priceless French imperial jewels. What was left by them was a 19th-century crown that once belonged to Empress Eugenie, the wife of Napoleon III. The crown, which is covered in 1,354 diamonds and 56 emeralds, was found near the museum, broken. The thieves managed to flee with eight other items with an estimated value of $102 million, including an emerald and diamond necklace that Napoleon I gave his wife, Empress Marie Louise</p><h2><strong>Can the crown be restored?</strong></h2><p>The director of the Louvre, Laurence des Cars, said on Wednesday (Oct 22) that the initial assessment of the crown suggests that it could be restored.</p><p>“Initial assessments suggest that a delicate restoration is possible,” Laurence des Cars said. She added that the piece was likely damaged not by the fall but by the robbers when they were trying to extract it from the small opening in its display case.</p><p>It was “crushed when being taken out of the display case”, she said. Following a 2014 study, new ultra-resistant “high-end jewellery showcases” were ordered to house the crown jewels in the Apollo Gallery, des Cars said.</p><p>“The glass was not broken. It was split and the thieves managed to pass their hands through, but the glass held firm,” she added.</p><h2><strong>‘We failed’</strong></h2><p>Des Cars admitted that there was inadequate security camera coverage of the outside walls of the museum.</p><p>“Despite our efforts, despite our hard work on a daily basis, we failed,” des Cars told lawmakers in her first public statement since the robbery. She added that while all alarms had functioned during the heist, security cameras did not adequately cover the thieves’ point of entry.</p><p>“The only camera installed is directed westward and therefore did not cover the balcony involved in the break-in,” she said. “There are some perimeter cameras, but they are ageing.” Surveillance of the museum’s outside walls “is highly insufficient.”</p><p>Des Cars said she had tendered her resignation following the theft on Sunday, but the culture ministry had refused it.</p><p>Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday ordered to speed up security measures at the Louvre after its reopening three days after the brazen heist that took place in broad daylight.</p>

The director of the Louvre, Laurence des Cars, admitted that there was inadequate security camera coverage of the outside walls of the museum.

The Louvre Museum in Paris on Sunday (Oct 18) was struck with chaos after thieves robbed the world-renowned museum of its priceless French imperial jewels. What was left by them was a 19th-century crown that once belonged to Empress Eugenie, the wife of Napoleon III. The crown, which is covered in 1,354 diamonds and 56 emeralds, was found near the museum, broken. The thieves managed to flee with eight other items with an estimated value of $102 million, including an emerald and diamond necklace that Napoleon I gave his wife, Empress Marie Louise Can the crown be restored? The director of the Louvre, Laurence des Cars, said on Wednesday (Oct 22) that the initial assessment of the crown suggests that it could be restored. “Initial assessments suggest that a delicate restoration is possible,” Laurence des Cars said. She added that the piece was likely damaged not by the fall but by the robbers when they were trying to extract it from the small opening in its display case. It was “crushed when being taken out of the display case”, she said. Following a 2014 study, new ultra-resistant “high-end jewellery showcases” were ordered to house the crown jewels in the Apollo Gallery, des Cars said. “The glass was not broken. It was split and the thieves managed to pass their hands through, but the glass held firm,” she added. ‘We failed’ Des Cars admitted that there was inadequate security camera coverage of the outside walls of the museum. “Despite our efforts, despite our hard work on a daily basis, we failed,” des Cars told lawmakers in her first public statement since the robbery. She added that while all alarms had functioned during the heist, security cameras did not adequately cover the thieves’ point of entry. “The only camera installed is directed westward and therefore did not cover the balcony involved in the break-in,” she said. “There are some perimeter cameras, but they are ageing.” Surveillance of the museum’s outside walls “is highly insufficient.” Des Cars said she had tendered her resignation following the theft on Sunday, but the culture ministry had refused it. Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday ordered to speed up security measures at the Louvre after its reopening three days after the brazen heist that took place in broad daylight.

<p>The director of the Louvre, Laurence des Cars, admitted that there was inadequate security camera coverage of the outside walls of the museum.</p>

Louvre heist: Can broken diamonds and emeralds crown dropped outside Paris museum be restored?

<p>The Louvre burglary has blown open a fierce public row in France, with critics arguing that the audacious burglary was made possible because of "diversity hires," a barb reminiscent of US President Donald Trump. On Sunday (Oct 19), four masked burglars pulled off what officials called the "theft of the decade," stealing priceless jewellery tied to Napoleon’s family. Investigators are still hunting the suspects and say they have not ruled anything out, including an inside job, though the evidence currently points to organised crime.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/-king-trump-trump-shares-ai-generated-video-mocking-protestors-amid-no-kings-protests-1760852945951"><strong>‘King Trump’: Trump shares AI-generated video mocking protestors amid ‘No Kings’ protests</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Lourve museum's security shortcomings revealed</strong></h2><p>The theft has exposed long-running concerns about museum security. Dominique Buffin, 46, who was appointed last September as the Louvre’s first female head of security, has become a target with critics accusing the museum of prioritising optics over competence, and calling for her resignation.</p><p>Marion Maréchal, an MEP (Member of the European Parliament) and niece of Marine Le Pen, has labelled the incident "ridiculous" and said the museum’s director, Laurence Des Cars, should also step down. She said that the burglary has made France the "laughing stock of the world". She alleged that Cars and Buffin were only hired as "part of a feminisation policy," and must be asked to resign. On X, she said that the Culture Minister Rachida Dati "must demand the immediate resignation of the museum’s director Laurence Des Cars and the security chief Dominique Buffin, whom she appointed – Le Monde was delighted – as part of a feminisation policy."</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/-like-watching-a-living-galaxy-unfurl-beneath-you-shubhanshu-shukla-shares-breathtaking-diwali-spectacle-of-india-from-space-station-watch-video-1761020335036"><strong>'Like watching a living galaxy unfurl beneath you': Shubhanshu Shukla shares breathtaking Diwali spectacle of India from space station. Watch video</strong></a></p><p>"Evidently at the cost of forgoing competence and endangering the cultural heritage of our Nation," she alleged.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="fr" dir="ltr">Depuis 24 heures, la France est la risée du monde à cause du vol ridicule des joyaux de la couronne au Louvre. <br>Cette humiliation ne peut rester sans réaction : Rachida Dati doit exiger la démission immédiate de la directrice du musée Laurence Des Cars et de la responsable de la…</p>— Marion Maréchal (@MarionMarechal) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarionMarechal/status/1980251055267913825?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>Meanwhile, National Rally leaders described the theft as a wound to France’s soul and an "intolerable humiliation," while the justice minister said the incident painted a terrible image of the country where thieves could just “grab priceless jewels”. Talking to Inter Radio, Gérald Darmanin, the Justice minister, said: "What is certain is that we have failed, since people were able to park a furniture hoist in the middle of Paris, get people up it in several minutes to grab priceless jewels, and give France a terrible image."</p>

The Louvre heist has spiralled into a political firestorm in France, with critics blaming “diversity hires” for what they call a preventable failure. 

The Louvre burglary has blown open a fierce public row in France, with critics arguing that the audacious burglary was made possible because of "diversity hires," a barb reminiscent of US President Donald Trump. On Sunday (Oct 19), four masked burglars pulled off what officials called the "theft of the decade," stealing priceless jewellery tied to Napoleon’s family. Investigators are still hunting the suspects and say they have not ruled anything out, including an inside job, though the evidence currently points to organised crime. Also read | ‘King Trump’: Trump shares AI-generated video mocking protestors amid ‘No Kings’ protests Lourve museum's security shortcomings revealed The theft has exposed long-running concerns about museum security. Dominique Buffin, 46, who was appointed last September as the Louvre’s first female head of security, has become a target with critics accusing the museum of prioritising optics over competence, and calling for her resignation. Marion Maréchal, an MEP (Member of the European Parliament) and niece of Marine Le Pen, has labelled the incident "ridiculous" and said the museum’s director, Laurence Des Cars, should also step down. She said that the burglary has made France the "laughing stock of the world". She alleged that Cars and Buffin were only hired as "part of a feminisation policy," and must be asked to resign. On X, she said that the Culture Minister Rachida Dati "must demand the immediate resignation of the museum’s director Laurence Des Cars and the security chief Dominique Buffin, whom she appointed – Le Monde was delighted – as part of a feminisation policy." Also read | 'Like watching a living galaxy unfurl beneath you': Shubhanshu Shukla shares breathtaking Diwali spectacle of India from space station. Watch video "Evidently at the cost of forgoing competence and endangering the cultural heritage of our Nation," she alleged.

<p>The Louvre heist has spiralled into a political firestorm in France, with critics blaming “diversity hires” for what they call a preventable failure.&nbsp;</p>

Louvre burglary sparks outrage, critics blame 'diversity hires' for the 'theft of the decade'

<p>Following a brazen heist at the Paris’s Louvre museum, its management on Monday (Oct 20) denied claims that they contacted a private Israeli intel firm to investigation into the jewel theft at the world-renowned French museum. Earlier, Tel Aviv based CGI Group claimed that the Louvre had sought its help for the probe into the audacious weekend robbery due to its past success in 2019 when it recovered stolen artefacts from a German museum.</p><p>“The Louvre management denies it,” museum representatives told AFP, without further details.</p><h2><strong>What did Israeli intel group claim?</strong></h2><p>The CGI Group claimed earlier that Louvre had asked them to uncover the indentity of the culprits involved in the brazen heist and recover the stolen French imperial jewels.</p><p>CGI Group CEO Zvika Naveh told AFP, “The Louvre exceptionally asked us to uncover the identity of people involved in the theft and to retrieve the stolen artefacts.”</p><p>When asked for clarification, Naveh said that the request had come “via an intermediary acting on behalf of the Louvre and other entities, including insurance companies.”</p><p>However, Louvre’s management has maintained that it had not “contacted anyone” for help into the investigation.</p><h2><strong>What prosecutor said</strong></h2><p>The group of chainsaw-wielding thieves who robbed The Louvre in broad daylight may have been hired by a collector, officials said on Monday. A day earlier, thieves broke into the world-renowned museum and fled with eight French imperial jewels–all within seven minutes. The culprits targeted Galerie d'Apollon.</p><p>Following the incident, French authorities found a 19th-century crown near the museum. The crown belonged to Empress Eugenie, the wife of Napoleon III. It features golden eagles and is covered in 1,354 diamonds and 56 emeralds.</p><p>Paris Prosecutor Laure Beccuau said that authorities are investigating whether the heist was commissioned by a collector, reported New York Post. “We’re looking at the hypothesis of organized crime,” she told BFM TV. She added that it was possible professionals were working on spec for a buyer.</p><p>Beccuau said, in that case, that there was a good chance that the stolen pieces would be in good condition once they’re tracked down and retrieved. She added that it was also possible that the jewels were used to launder profits from other criminal enterprises.</p>

The CGI Group claimed earlier that Louvre had asked them to uncover the indentity of the culprits involved in the brazen heist and recover the stolen French imperial jewels.

Following a brazen heist at the Paris’s Louvre museum, its management on Monday (Oct 20) denied claims that they contacted a private Israeli intel firm to investigation into the jewel theft at the world-renowned French museum. Earlier, Tel Aviv based CGI Group claimed that the Louvre had sought its help for the probe into the audacious weekend robbery due to its past success in 2019 when it recovered stolen artefacts from a German museum. “The Louvre management denies it,” museum representatives told AFP, without further details. What did Israeli intel group claim? The CGI Group claimed earlier that Louvre had asked them to uncover the indentity of the culprits involved in the brazen heist and recover the stolen French imperial jewels. CGI Group CEO Zvika Naveh told AFP, “The Louvre exceptionally asked us to uncover the identity of people involved in the theft and to retrieve the stolen artefacts.” When asked for clarification, Naveh said that the request had come “via an intermediary acting on behalf of the Louvre and other entities, including insurance companies.” However, Louvre’s management has maintained that it had not “contacted anyone” for help into the investigation. What prosecutor said The group of chainsaw-wielding thieves who robbed The Louvre in broad daylight may have been hired by a collector, officials said on Monday. A day earlier, thieves broke into the world-renowned museum and fled with eight French imperial jewels–all within seven minutes. The culprits targeted Galerie d'Apollon. Following the incident, French authorities found a 19th-century crown near the museum. The crown belonged to Empress Eugenie, the wife of Napoleon III. It features golden eagles and is covered in 1,354 diamonds and 56 emeralds. Paris Prosecutor Laure Beccuau said that authorities are investigating whether the heist was commissioned by a collector, reported New York Post. “We’re looking at the hypothesis of organized crime,” she told BFM TV. She added that it was possible professionals were working on spec for a buyer. Beccuau said, in that case, that there was a good chance that the stolen pieces would be in good condition once they’re tracked down and retrieved. She added that it was also possible that the jewels were used to launder profits from other criminal enterprises.

<p>The CGI Group claimed earlier that Louvre had asked them to uncover the indentity of the culprits involved in the brazen heist and recover the stolen French imperial jewels.</p>

Did Louvre contact Israeli intel firm for help in investigation? Here’s what museum said

<p>The group of chainsaw-wielding thieves who robbed The Louvre in broad daylight may have been hired by a collector, officials said. A day earlier, thieves broke into the world-renowned museum and fled with eight French imperial jewels–all within seven minutes. The culprits targeted Galerie d'Apollon, the officials said. Following the incident, French authorities found a 19th-century crown near the museum. The crown belonged to Empress Eugenie, the wife of Napoleon III. It features golden eagles and is covered in 1,354 diamonds and 56 emeralds.</p><p>Paris Prosecutor Laure Beccuau said that authorities are investigating whether the heist was commissioned by a collector, reported New York Post. “We’re looking at the hypothesis of organized crime,” she told BFM TV. She added that it was possible professionals were working on spec for a buyer.</p><p>Beccuau said, in that case, that there was a good chance that the stolen pieces would be in good condition once they’re tracked down and retrieved. She added that it was also possible that the jewels were used to launder profits from other criminal enterprises.</p><p>“Nowadays, anything can be linked to drug trafficking, given the significant sums of money obtained from drug trafficking,” she said.</p><p>Beccuau noted that while investigators were keeping all angles open for the crime but foreign interference had been largely ruled out.</p><p>The Louvre museum remained closed on Monday (Oct 20), second day after the brazen theft. A team of 60 investigators are on a manhunt to catch the thieves who fled with eight items from the world-renowned museum.</p><p>Meanwhile, France’s Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin on Monday admitted lapses in the security of the museum that led to robbers gaining entry and fleeing with imperial jewels in broad daylight.</p><p>“What is certain is that we have failed, since people were able to park a furniture hoist in the middle of Paris, get people up it in several minutes to grab priceless jewels and give France a terrible image,” he told France Inter radio.</p><p>Four thieves wielding power tools raided the Louvre in just seven minutes around 9:30 am and fled with some of the country’s priceless crown jewels. The museum had just opened minutes before at 9:00 am.</p><p>According to the culture ministry, “Two high-security display cases were targeted, and eight objects of invaluable cultural heritage were stolen.” The largest museum in the world is home to world-famous art spectacles, including the Mona Lisa.</p>

Beccuau noted that while investigators were keeping all angles open for the crime but foreign interference had been largely ruled out.

The group of chainsaw-wielding thieves who robbed The Louvre in broad daylight may have been hired by a collector, officials said. A day earlier, thieves broke into the world-renowned museum and fled with eight French imperial jewels–all within seven minutes. The culprits targeted Galerie d'Apollon, the officials said. Following the incident, French authorities found a 19th-century crown near the museum. The crown belonged to Empress Eugenie, the wife of Napoleon III. It features golden eagles and is covered in 1,354 diamonds and 56 emeralds. Paris Prosecutor Laure Beccuau said that authorities are investigating whether the heist was commissioned by a collector, reported New York Post. “We’re looking at the hypothesis of organized crime,” she told BFM TV. She added that it was possible professionals were working on spec for a buyer. Beccuau said, in that case, that there was a good chance that the stolen pieces would be in good condition once they’re tracked down and retrieved. She added that it was also possible that the jewels were used to launder profits from other criminal enterprises. “Nowadays, anything can be linked to drug trafficking, given the significant sums of money obtained from drug trafficking,” she said. Beccuau noted that while investigators were keeping all angles open for the crime but foreign interference had been largely ruled out. The Louvre museum remained closed on Monday (Oct 20), second day after the brazen theft. A team of 60 investigators are on a manhunt to catch the thieves who fled with eight items from the world-renowned museum. Meanwhile, France’s Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin on Monday admitted lapses in the security of the museum that led to robbers gaining entry and fleeing with imperial jewels in broad daylight. “What is certain is that we have failed, since people were able to park a furniture hoist in the middle of Paris, get people up it in several minutes to grab priceless jewels and give France a terrible image,” he told France Inter radio. Four thieves wielding power tools raided the Louvre in just seven minutes around 9:30 am and fled with some of the country’s priceless crown jewels. The museum had just opened minutes before at 9:00 am. According to the culture ministry, “Two high-security display cases were targeted, and eight objects of invaluable cultural heritage were stolen.” The largest museum in the world is home to world-famous art spectacles, including the Mona Lisa.

<p>Beccuau noted that while investigators were keeping all angles open for the crime but foreign interference had been largely ruled out.</p>

Was Louvre heist commissioned by collector? What we know about brazen crime

<p>The Louvre museum remained closed on Monday (Oct 20) following a brazen theft after thieves broke in and stole priceless jewels in broad daylight. A team of 60 investigators are on a manhunt to catch the thieves who fled with eight items from the world-renowned museum. The culprits targeted Galerie d'Apollon, which houses the French crown jewels, and committed the robbery within seven minutes. Following the incident, French authorities found a 19th-century crown near the museum. The crown belonged to Empress Eugenie, the wife of Napoleon III. It features golden eagles and is covered in 1,354 diamonds and 56 emeralds.</p><p>“Following yesterday's robbery at the Louvre, the museum regrets to inform you that it will remain closed to the public today,” the museum said on its website.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/louvre-robbery-crown-with-1-354-diamonds-56-emeralds-found-broken-near-paris-museum-1760882905837"><strong>Louvre robbery: Crown with 1,354 diamonds, 56 emeralds found broken near Paris museum</strong></a></p><p>Shortly before the announcement, queues of impatient visitors were seen making their way across the museum’s pyramid courtyard and under the tall arches of the main entrance gallery.</p><p>France’s Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin on Monday admitted lapses in the security of the museum that led to robbers gaining entry and fleeing with imperial jewels in broad daylight.</p><p>“What is certain is that we have failed, since people were able to park a furniture hoist in the middle of Paris, get people up it in several minutes to grab priceless jewels and give France a terrible image,” he told France Inter radio.</p><p>Four thieves wielding power tools raided the Louvre in just seven minutes around 9:30 am and fled with some of the country’s priceless crown jewels. The museum had just opened minutes before at 9:00 am.</p><p>According to the culture ministry, “Two high-security display cases were targeted, and eight objects of invaluable cultural heritage were stolen.” The largest museum in the world is home to world-famous art spectacles, including the Mona Lisa.&nbsp;</p>

France’s Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin on Monday admitted lapses in the security of the museum that led to robbers gaining entry and fleeing with imperial jewels in broad daylight.

The Louvre museum remained closed on Monday (Oct 20) following a brazen theft after thieves broke in and stole priceless jewels in broad daylight. A team of 60 investigators are on a manhunt to catch the thieves who fled with eight items from the world-renowned museum. The culprits targeted Galerie d'Apollon, which houses the French crown jewels, and committed the robbery within seven minutes. Following the incident, French authorities found a 19th-century crown near the museum. The crown belonged to Empress Eugenie, the wife of Napoleon III. It features golden eagles and is covered in 1,354 diamonds and 56 emeralds. “Following yesterday's robbery at the Louvre, the museum regrets to inform you that it will remain closed to the public today,” the museum said on its website. Also read | Louvre robbery: Crown with 1,354 diamonds, 56 emeralds found broken near Paris museum Shortly before the announcement, queues of impatient visitors were seen making their way across the museum’s pyramid courtyard and under the tall arches of the main entrance gallery. France’s Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin on Monday admitted lapses in the security of the museum that led to robbers gaining entry and fleeing with imperial jewels in broad daylight. “What is certain is that we have failed, since people were able to park a furniture hoist in the middle of Paris, get people up it in several minutes to grab priceless jewels and give France a terrible image,” he told France Inter radio. Four thieves wielding power tools raided the Louvre in just seven minutes around 9:30 am and fled with some of the country’s priceless crown jewels. The museum had just opened minutes before at 9:00 am. According to the culture ministry, “Two high-security display cases were targeted, and eight objects of invaluable cultural heritage were stolen.” The largest museum in the world is home to world-famous art spectacles, including the Mona Lisa.

<p>France’s Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin on Monday admitted lapses in the security of the museum that led to robbers gaining entry and fleeing with imperial jewels in broad daylight.</p>

Louvre robbery: Museum remains closed on second day following brazen heist; justice minister admits security lapse

<p>Few landmarks capture the sweep of history, power, and art like the Louvre. Long before it became home to masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, the Louvre stood as a medieval stronghold built to protect the French capital. The story begins in 1190, when King Philip II commissioned the construction of a fortress on the Right Bank of the Seine. At the time, Paris was vulnerable to potential invasions, particularly from the English. The original Louvre featured thick walls, a moat, and a central keep. While the city grew around it, the fortress served as a strategic defensive structure.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Over the centuries, as Paris expanded beyond its medieval boundaries, the Louvre gradually lost its military purpose. By the 16th century, under King Francis I, the fortress was transformed into a Renaissance palace. Francis, a passionate patron of the arts, invited Italian artists to his court — including Leonardo da Vinci, who brought the Mona Lisa with him to France. This marked the beginning of the Louvre’s deep connection with art and culture.</p><h2>Birth of a museum during revolution</h2><p>The Louvre’s identity as a palace continued under successive monarchs, including Henry IV, Louis XIII, and Louis XIV. New wings, courtyards, and galleries were added, turning it into one of Europe’s grandest royal residences. The Grande Galerie, running along the Seine, became a hub for artists, who were allowed to live and work there. But in 1682, Louis XIV moved the royal court to Versailles, leaving the Louvre as a space primarily for storing royal collections and hosting artists rather than housing royalty. This shift laid the foundation for its next major transformation.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>During the French Revolution, the Louvre took on a radically new role. In 1793, the revolutionary government declared the palace a ‘Museum central des arts de la Republique’ — a museum for the people. The museum opened with 537 paintings, many confiscated from the Church and the royal family. For the first time, what had been exclusive to the monarchy was now accessible to the public. Under Napoleon Bonaparte, the collection expanded dramatically through military conquests. Renamed the Musée Napoléon, the museum displayed artworks looted from across Europe. Though many of these treasures were returned after Napoleon’s defeat, this period significantly shaped the scope of the Louvre’s collection.</p><h2>Modernisation and the glass pyramid</h2><p>By the 20th century, the Louvre had established itself as one of the world’s leading art institutions. Yet, with millions of annual visitors and growing collections, the museum faced logistical and space challenges. A turning point came in 1989, when then-French President François Mitterrand inaugurated the Louvre Pyramid, designed by Chinese-American architect I. M. Pei. The striking glass-and-steel structure served as a new main entrance, streamlining visitor flow and symbolizing the blend of classical heritage and modern innovation.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Pyramid’s unveiling sparked heated debates in France — some saw it as a bold step into modernity, while others criticized its contrast with the classical palace. Over time, however, it has become as iconic as the museum itself, representing Paris’s ability to honor tradition while embracing the future. In the 1990s, the Louvre further expanded by converting the Richelieu Wing, previously occupied by the Ministry of Finance, into new gallery spaces. This expansion allowed for the display of more sculptures, decorative arts, and Near Eastern antiquities.</p><h2>A global cultural powerhouse</h2><p>Today, the Louvre is not just a museum — it’s a global cultural symbol. It houses over 500,000 works of art, though only around 35,000 are on display at any given time. The collection spans eight departments: Near Eastern antiquities, Egyptian antiquities, Greek, Etruscan and Roman art, Islamic art, sculptures, decorative arts, paintings, and prints and drawings. Its galleries tell the story of civilizations across millennia — from the Code of Hammurabi to the Winged Victory of Samothrace. For millions of visitors each year, the Louvre offers not just a museum visit, but a journey through human history.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Pre-pandemic, the Louvre attracted close to 10 million visitors annually, making it the most visited museum in the world. Even today, it remains a central stop for travelers to Paris, alongside the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame Cathedral.</p><p>The Louvre has also extended its influence internationally. The Louvre-Lens, opened in northern France in 2012, brings the museum’s collections closer to regional audiences. In 2017, Louvre Abu Dhabi opened as part of a landmark cultural exchange, showcasing the Louvre’s global ambitions and partnerships.</p><h2>Symbol of France’s evolving identity</h2><p>The Louvre’s journey mirrors France’s own transformation. What began as a fortress of royal power became a palace of&nbsp;</p><p>Renaissance art, then a revolutionary museum embodying public access to culture, and finally, a modern global institution. It stands as a testament to France’s layered history — a monument that has witnessed monarchy, revolution, empire, modernization, and globalisation. Its architectural evolution, from medieval walls to a glass pyramid, tells a story of resilience and reinvention. For visitors, whether they come to admire the enigmatic smile of the Mona Lisa or to explore centuries-old artifacts, the Louvre remains more than a museum — it’s a living archive of human civilization and a beacon of artistic achievement.</p>

Louvre: From a medieval fortress to the world’s most iconic museum. Know its history and significance

Few landmarks capture the sweep of history, power, and art like the Louvre. Long before it became home to masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, the Louvre stood as a medieval stronghold built to protect the French capital. The story begins in 1190, when King Philip II commissioned the construction of a fortress on the Right Bank of the Seine. At the time, Paris was vulnerable to potential invasions, particularly from the English. The original Louvre featured thick walls, a moat, and a central keep. While the city grew around it, the fortress served as a strategic defensive structure. Over the centuries, as Paris expanded beyond its medieval boundaries, the Louvre gradually lost its military purpose. By the 16th century, under King Francis I, the fortress was transformed into a Renaissance palace. Francis, a passionate patron of the arts, invited Italian artists to his court — including Leonardo da Vinci, who brought the Mona Lisa with him to France. This marked the beginning of the Louvre’s deep connection with art and culture. Birth of a museum during revolution The Louvre’s identity as a palace continued under successive monarchs, including Henry IV, Louis XIII, and Louis XIV. New wings, courtyards, and galleries were added, turning it into one of Europe’s grandest royal residences. The Grande Galerie, running along the Seine, became a hub for artists, who were allowed to live and work there. But in 1682, Louis XIV moved the royal court to Versailles, leaving the Louvre as a space primarily for storing royal collections and hosting artists rather than housing royalty. This shift laid the foundation for its next major transformation. During the French Revolution, the Louvre took on a radically new role. In 1793, the revolutionary government declared the palace a ‘Museum central des arts de la Republique’ — a museum for the people. The museum opened with 537 paintings, many confiscated from the Church and the royal family. For the first time, what had been exclusive to the monarchy was now accessible to the public. Under Napoleon Bonaparte, the collection expanded dramatically through military conquests. Renamed the Musée Napoléon, the museum displayed artworks looted from across Europe. Though many of these treasures were returned after Napoleon’s defeat, this period significantly shaped the scope of the Louvre’s collection. Modernisation and the glass pyramid By the 20th century, the Louvre had established itself as one of the world’s leading art institutions. Yet, with millions of annual visitors and growing collections, the museum faced logistical and space challenges. A turning point came in 1989, when then-French President François Mitterrand inaugurated the Louvre Pyramid, designed by Chinese-American architect I. M. Pei. The striking glass-and-steel structure served as a new main entrance, streamlining visitor flow and symbolizing the blend of classical heritage and modern innovation. The Pyramid’s unveiling sparked heated debates in France — some saw it as a bold step into modernity, while others criticized its contrast with the classical palace. Over time, however, it has become as iconic as the museum itself, representing Paris’s ability to honor tradition while embracing the future. In the 1990s, the Louvre further expanded by converting the Richelieu Wing, previously occupied by the Ministry of Finance, into new gallery spaces. This expansion allowed for the display of more sculptures, decorative arts, and Near Eastern antiquities. A global cultural powerhouse Today, the Louvre is not just a museum — it’s a global cultural symbol. It houses over 500,000 works of art, though only around 35,000 are on display at any given time. The collection spans eight departments: Near Eastern antiquities, Egyptian antiquities, Greek, Etruscan and Roman art, Islamic art, sculptures, decorative arts, paintings, and prints and drawings. Its galleries tell the story of civilizations across millennia — from the Code of Hammurabi to the Winged Victory of Samothrace. For millions of visitors each year, the Louvre offers not just a museum visit, but a journey through human history. Pre-pandemic, the Louvre attracted close to 10 million visitors annually, making it the most visited museum in the world. Even today, it remains a central stop for travelers to Paris, alongside the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame Cathedral. The Louvre has also extended its influence internationally. The Louvre-Lens, opened in northern France in 2012, brings the museum’s collections closer to regional audiences. In 2017, Louvre Abu Dhabi opened as part of a landmark cultural exchange, showcasing the Louvre’s global ambitions and partnerships. Symbol of France’s evolving identity The Louvre’s journey mirrors France’s own transformation. What began as a fortress of royal power became a palace of Renaissance art, then a revolutionary museum embodying public access to culture, and finally, a modern global institution. It stands as a testament to France’s layered history — a monument that has witnessed monarchy, revolution, empire, modernization, and globalisation. Its architectural evolution, from medieval walls to a glass pyramid, tells a story of resilience and reinvention. For visitors, whether they come to admire the enigmatic smile of the Mona Lisa or to explore centuries-old artifacts, the Louvre remains more than a museum — it’s a living archive of human civilization and a beacon of artistic achievement.

<p>Once a medieval fortress, the Louvre has grown into the world’s most visited museum, blending royal history, revolutionary spirit, and artistic brilliance under one iconic glass pyramid</p>

Four thieves wielding power tools raided the Louvre in just seven minutes and fled with some of the country’s priceless crown jewels.

<p>Four thieves wielding power tools raided the Louvre in just seven minutes and fled with some of the country’s priceless crown jewels.</p>

In Pics | What items were stolen from Paris’ Louvre in robbery?

<p>French authorities on Sunday (Oct 18) found a damaged 19th-century crown near the Louvre museum in Paris following a robbery earlier in the day. The crown, which belonged to Empress Eugenie, the wife of Napoleon III, features golden eagles and is covered in 1,354 diamonds and 56 emeralds, according to the museum’s website. Earlier today, the world-renowned museum was targeted in a heist, following which the officials said that the robbers made off with “priceless” jewels in broad daylight.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>AFP reported, citing sources, that the authorities discovered the crown of Empress Eugenie near the museum afterwards. The robbery prompted authorities to close the Louvre for the rest of the day, as the police hunt the culprits. The tourists and visitors were evacuated from the museum, and armed soldiers patrolled around the main entrance.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The theft took place at the heavily guarded museum between 9:30 and 9:40 am. Three or four thieves broke into the museum and completed the heist in bright daylight on a weekend in just seven minutes and fled with “priceless” jewellery from the Louvre, which houses several valuable French crown jewels. They targeted two displays in the exhibition venue’s “Gallerie d'Apollon”. The thieves were wielding “angle grinders” and used a “cherry picker” to gain entry inside the museum. The authorities said, “Nine pieces from the jewellery collection of Napoleon and the Empress,” but the crown of Empress Eugenie was later found near the museum.</p><h2><strong>Crown of Empress Eugenie</strong></h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The priceless imperial crown belonged to Empress Eugenie, wife of Emperor Napoleon III, the nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte. It is among the most treasured articles at the Louvre Museum. The crown features beautiful goldwork and golden eagles, with dazzling 1,354 diamonds and 56 emeralds. The precious jewellery is a symbol of 19th-century French imperial elegance. The crown, crafted principally by Alexandre-Gabriel Lemonnier in August 1855, is based on a pattern from the imperial arms of the First Empire. The full extent of damage to the piece is not known yet.</p>

The crown, which belonged to Empress Eugenie, the wife of Napoleon III, features golden eagles and is covered in 1,354 diamonds and 56 emeralds.

French authorities on Sunday (Oct 18) found a damaged 19th-century crown near the Louvre museum in Paris following a robbery earlier in the day. The crown, which belonged to Empress Eugenie, the wife of Napoleon III, features golden eagles and is covered in 1,354 diamonds and 56 emeralds, according to the museum’s website. Earlier today, the world-renowned museum was targeted in a heist, following which the officials said that the robbers made off with “priceless” jewels in broad daylight. AFP reported, citing sources, that the authorities discovered the crown of Empress Eugenie near the museum afterwards. The robbery prompted authorities to close the Louvre for the rest of the day, as the police hunt the culprits. The tourists and visitors were evacuated from the museum, and armed soldiers patrolled around the main entrance. The theft took place at the heavily guarded museum between 9:30 and 9:40 am. Three or four thieves broke into the museum and completed the heist in bright daylight on a weekend in just seven minutes and fled with “priceless” jewellery from the Louvre, which houses several valuable French crown jewels. They targeted two displays in the exhibition venue’s “Gallerie d'Apollon”. The thieves were wielding “angle grinders” and used a “cherry picker” to gain entry inside the museum. The authorities said, “Nine pieces from the jewellery collection of Napoleon and the Empress,” but the crown of Empress Eugenie was later found near the museum. Crown of Empress Eugenie The priceless imperial crown belonged to Empress Eugenie, wife of Emperor Napoleon III, the nephew of Napoleon Bonaparte. It is among the most treasured articles at the Louvre Museum. The crown features beautiful goldwork and golden eagles, with dazzling 1,354 diamonds and 56 emeralds. The precious jewellery is a symbol of 19th-century French imperial elegance. The crown, crafted principally by Alexandre-Gabriel Lemonnier in August 1855, is based on a pattern from the imperial arms of the First Empire. The full extent of damage to the piece is not known yet.

<p>The crown, which belonged to Empress Eugenie, the wife of Napoleon III, features golden eagles and is covered in 1,354 diamonds and 56 emeralds.</p>

Louvre robbery: Crown with 1,354 diamonds, 56 emeralds found broken near Paris museum

<p>In a daring daylight heist, men wielding “angle grinders” struck at the heavily guarded world-famous Louvre Museum in Paris after gaining entry from outside using a “cherry picker”, which was positioned on a truck, broke the window of the Apollo gallery, stole “priceless” jewellery and fled, conducting the shocking crime in just seven minutes. The world’s most visited museum, which is also home to the Mona Lisa, was shut for the day after the robbery. “Nine pieces from the jewellery collection of Napoleon and the Empress” were stolen, but one of the jewels was later found outside the museum. The museum was evacuated to preserve evidence and to allow investigators and forensics teams to carry out their work.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“Individuals entered from outside with a cherry picker (a kind of hydraulic ladder) and stole priceless jewellery in an incident that lasted seven minutes,” French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez was quoted as saying by French media outlet Le Parisien.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>‘It was manifestly a team that had done scouting’</h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Nunez said three or four men were involved in the heist, and they focused on two displays in Gallerie d’Apollon (Apollo’s Gallery). The Apollon wing of the Louvre has a set of historic crowns, diadems, and sovereign jewellery. It was “manifestly a team that had done scouting,” the minister said, adding that the panes were cut “with a disc cutter”.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Nuñez, who is a former Paris police chief, said the burglars broke several windows, and two of them entered the museum. They fled in a TMax, towards the A6 motorway after the heist. “They acted very, very quickly,” the minister said.</p><p>The amount of damages has not yet been disclosed. “They stole jewels which have a real heritage value, an inestimable heritage value,” Nuñez said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The thieves gained access via the facade that faces the Seine, since some construction is going on there.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>‘Shocking that a robbery could be carried out with such ease’</h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The mayor of Paris Centre, Ariel Weil, said it was shocking that a robbery could be carried out at the Louvre with such ease. “It’s a shock... It’s been a movie script up until now. It’s hard to imagine that it’s seemingly so easy to burglarise the Louvre... The unexpected closure of the site is causing a major public order problem,” he told Le Parisien.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Jordan Bardella, the president of the National Rally, said in a post on X, “The Louvre is a global symbol of our culture. This robbery, which allowed thieves to steal the French Crown Jewels, is an unbearable humiliation for our country. How far will the disintegration of the state go?”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2>Several French museums targeted recently, raising concerns over security systems</h2><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The Paris prosecutor’s office said an investigation has been opened for organised theft and criminal conspiracy to commit a crime.</p><p>Several French museums have been targeted recently, raising concerns over security and surveillance systems. In September, specimens of native gold were stolen from the National Museum of Natural History in Paris. A museum in Limoges, renowned for its porcelain collection, was also burgled with losses estimated at €6.5 million.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Investigators were studying footage from security cameras.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>WATCH: USA: 'No Kings' rallies sweep across the United States and Europe</strong></p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/usa-no-kings-rallies-sweep-across-the-united-states-and-europe-1760876582807/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/usa-no-kings-rallies-sweep-across-the-united-states-and-europe-1760876582807/embed</a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

The mayor of Paris Centre, Ariel Weil, said it was shocking that a robbery could be carried out at the Louvre with such ease. A number of French museums have been targeted recently, raising concerns over security and surveillance systems.

In a daring daylight heist, men wielding “angle grinders” struck at the heavily guarded world-famous Louvre Museum in Paris after gaining entry from outside using a “cherry picker”, which was positioned on a truck, broke the window of the Apollo gallery, stole “priceless” jewellery and fled, conducting the shocking crime in just seven minutes. The world’s most visited museum, which is also home to the Mona Lisa, was shut for the day after the robbery. “Nine pieces from the jewellery collection of Napoleon and the Empress” were stolen, but one of the jewels was later found outside the museum. The museum was evacuated to preserve evidence and to allow investigators and forensics teams to carry out their work. “Individuals entered from outside with a cherry picker (a kind of hydraulic ladder) and stole priceless jewellery in an incident that lasted seven minutes,” French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez was quoted as saying by French media outlet Le Parisien. ‘It was manifestly a team that had done scouting’ Nunez said three or four men were involved in the heist, and they focused on two displays in Gallerie d’Apollon (Apollo’s Gallery). The Apollon wing of the Louvre has a set of historic crowns, diadems, and sovereign jewellery. It was “manifestly a team that had done scouting,” the minister said, adding that the panes were cut “with a disc cutter”. Nuñez, who is a former Paris police chief, said the burglars broke several windows, and two of them entered the museum. They fled in a TMax, towards the A6 motorway after the heist. “They acted very, very quickly,” the minister said. The amount of damages has not yet been disclosed. “They stole jewels which have a real heritage value, an inestimable heritage value,” Nuñez said. The thieves gained access via the facade that faces the Seine, since some construction is going on there. ‘Shocking that a robbery could be carried out with such ease’ The mayor of Paris Centre, Ariel Weil, said it was shocking that a robbery could be carried out at the Louvre with such ease. “It’s a shock... It’s been a movie script up until now. It’s hard to imagine that it’s seemingly so easy to burglarise the Louvre... The unexpected closure of the site is causing a major public order problem,” he told Le Parisien. Jordan Bardella, the president of the National Rally, said in a post on X, “The Louvre is a global symbol of our culture. This robbery, which allowed thieves to steal the French Crown Jewels, is an unbearable humiliation for our country. How far will the disintegration of the state go?” Several French museums targeted recently, raising concerns over security systems The Paris prosecutor’s office said an investigation has been opened for organised theft and criminal conspiracy to commit a crime. Several French museums have been targeted recently, raising concerns over security and surveillance systems. In September, specimens of native gold were stolen from the National Museum of Natural History in Paris. A museum in Limoges, renowned for its porcelain collection, was also burgled with losses estimated at €6.5 million. Investigators were studying footage from security cameras. WATCH: USA: 'No Kings' rallies sweep across the United States and Europe https://www.wionews.com/videos/usa-no-kings-rallies-sweep-across-the-united-states-and-europe-1760876582807/embed

<p>The mayor of Paris Centre, Ariel Weil, said it was shocking that a robbery could be carried out at the Louvre with such ease. A number of French museums have been targeted recently, raising concerns over security and surveillance systems.</p>

Thieves used ‘cherry picker’, ‘angle grinder’ in 7-minute Louvre Museum heist, pulled off like a breeze

<p>The Louvre Museum in Paris was closed on Sunday (Oct 19) after a reported break-in, France's Culture Minister Rachida Dati said. Earlier, the world-renowned museum said that it was closing for the day “for exceptional reasons”. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said that the jewellery stolen from the museum was “priceless”. Although it was not immediately clear what exactly had been stolen from the gilded gallery, which is home to the French crown jewels.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“A hold-up took place this morning at the opening of the Louvre Museum,” Dati wrote on X, using a French word that can also mean “robbery”. She added, “No injuries reported. I'm on site with museum staff and police.”</p>

<p>Hours later, the minister said that one of the stolen jewellery pieces was found near the museum. “One of the jewellery items was found near the Louvre,” she told the TF1 television broadcaster.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>AFP reported, citing a source close to the case, that robbers broke into the Louvre and fled with jewellery. Nunez told French news outlets that “three or four” thieves targeted two displays in the exhibition venue’s “Gallerie d'Apollon” and completed the robbery in just seven minutes in broad daylight. The brazen theft happened just 800 metres away from Paris police headquarters.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>An investigation has been opened into the incident, said the Paris prosecutor’s office. The value of the articles stolen is still being estimated.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>AFP reported that at least one person entered the museum. They did not add anything about a possible theft attempt. The museum has not yet released any other statements regarding the incident.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>It is reported that the thieves arrived on a scooter, armed with small chainsaws, and used a goods lift to reach the room they were targetting. The robbers arrived between 9:30 and 9:40 am.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Located in Paris, the Louvre is the largest museum in the world and has nearly 73,000 square metres of exhibition space – more than the size of ten football pitches.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Recently, several French museums have been targeted. Last month, thieves broke into the Natural History Museum in Paris, stealing gold samples worth $700,000. In November last year, another Paris museum was targeted in broad daylight.</p>

The world-renowned Louvre Museum in Paris was closed on Sunday (Oct 19) after a reported break-in, France's Culture Minister Rachida Dati said.

The Louvre Museum in Paris was closed on Sunday (Oct 19) after a reported break-in, France's Culture Minister Rachida Dati said. Earlier, the world-renowned museum said that it was closing for the day “for exceptional reasons”. Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said that the jewellery stolen from the museum was “priceless”. Although it was not immediately clear what exactly had been stolen from the gilded gallery, which is home to the French crown jewels. “A hold-up took place this morning at the opening of the Louvre Museum,” Dati wrote on X, using a French word that can also mean “robbery”. She added, “No injuries reported. I'm on site with museum staff and police.”

<p>The world-renowned Louvre Museum in Paris was closed on Sunday (Oct 19) after a reported break-in, France's Culture Minister Rachida Dati said.</p>

‘Priceless’ jewellery stolen from Paris’ Louvre museum after thieves break in