The world-renowned Louvre Museum was closed suddenly today, Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025, after a brazen daylight theft during which masked intruders reportedly made off with nine pieces of historic jewelry from the Napoleon and Empress Josephine collection.

France's Culture Minister, Rachida Dati, confirmed the robbery in a social media post, stating, "A robbery took place this morning at the opening of the Louvre Museum. No injuries reported." The museum released a separate statement confirming the closure for the day due to "exceptional reasons."

Target: The French crown jewels

According to initial reports from French media, the criminals targeted the Galerie d'Apollon, a wing that displays part of the historic French Crown Jewels. The thieves are believed to have gained access to the highly secure former palace via a construction zone on the Seine River side, utilizing a freight elevator to reach the gallery.

Sources indicate that a small group of robbers, allegedly armed with tools like chainsaws, smashed open display cases to retrieve at least nine precious items, including a necklace, brooch, and tiara. The high-value haul belonged to a collection amassed by Emperor Napoleon and Empress Josephine Bonaparte.

Investigation underway

Police, Gendarmerie, and museum security teams quickly secured the premises. Authorities have launched an investigation to track down the suspects, who reportedly fled the scene on motorbikes or scooters.

The exact value of the stolen pieces is still being estimated.

The theft marks another chapter in the Louvre’s long history of high-profile security incidents, though the museum is considered one of the most protected cultural sites globally.