The Louvre transferred part of its jewellery collection to the Bank of France vaults following last week’s high-profile theft. French radio network RTL reported that the transfer occurred on Friday under tight police security. The move came after eight crown jewels were stolen from the museum, sparking national outrage and concerns over security failures.
The transported pieces reportedly included the “Crown Jewels” from the Apollo Gallery and other rare gems from across the museum. Officers discreetly escorted the transfer to the bank’s underground vault, located 27 metres beneath its Paris headquarters. The secure facility currently holds 90% of France’s gold reserves.
Thieves Strike in Daylight and Escape Within Minutes
Last week, multiple thieves stormed the Louvre in broad daylight and executed a rapid six-minute robbery. They used a basket lift to reach a balcony near the Apollo Gallery, forced open a window, and smashed display cases. The group then fled on two-wheelers through nearby streets before authorities could respond.
Investigators estimate the stolen jewels are worth around €88 million, excluding their immense historical significance. Officials believe the theft required careful planning and detailed knowledge of the museum’s layout. The Paris prosecutor’s office has launched a full-scale investigation and continues to review security footage for leads.
Outrage Grows as France Faces Wave of Museum Heists
French lawmakers condemned the theft, calling it a “national humiliation” and demanding immediate reforms to protect cultural treasures. Critics accused officials of neglecting security warnings raised by the museum’s management in previous years.
The robbery reignited debate over chronic underfunding in France’s cultural institutions. Experts warned that aging systems and insufficient staff leave many museums vulnerable to organized crime.
Authorities confirmed that the Louvre theft is part of a troubling trend. In the past few months, at least four French museums have reported similar robberies, reflecting a growing wave of cultural thefts across Europe.
