The Louvre transferred part of its jewellery collection to the Bank of France vaults on Friday following last week’s major robbery. French radio network RTL reported that police escorted the transfer discreetly to ensure maximum security.
The operation involved the museum’s “Crown Jewels” from the Apollo Gallery and other valuable items from different exhibits. The Bank of France vault, located 27 meters below its Paris headquarters, safeguards 90% of the country’s gold reserves.
The move followed an audacious daylight heist that left authorities and the public demanding answers about the museum’s security measures.
Thieves Execute Bold Robbery in Broad Daylight
Investigators said several thieves entered the Louvre in broad daylight last week using a basket lift to reach a balcony leading to the Apollo Gallery. They forced open a window, smashed display cases, and stole eight crown jewels before escaping on two-wheelers. The entire operation lasted between six and seven minutes.
A Paris prosecutor estimated the stolen items’ value at €88 million, excluding their immense historical significance. The stolen jewels formed part of France’s cultural heritage, making the loss deeply symbolic.
Lawmakers and citizens condemned the theft as a “national humiliation,” demanding accountability from those responsible for museum oversight.
France Faces Growing Wave of Museum Heists
The theft triggered widespread outrage and renewed debate over museum security across Europe. Louvre officials had previously warned about insufficient funding for safety upgrades. Critics now argue those warnings went unheeded.
In recent years, museum robberies have surged across Europe. France alone has suffered at least four similar crimes in the past few months. The government has since promised tighter security protocols for national museums and greater investment in surveillance technology.
Authorities continue to pursue leads, determined to recover the missing jewels and prevent future attacks on France’s most treasured cultural institutions.
