What We Know About the 8-Minute Louvre Heist
In broad daylight, thieves pulled off one of the most audacious museum robberies in history—escaping with thousands of diamonds and gemstones in just eight minutes.
by Kyla Villena
Published on Oct 22, 2025
The Louvre is the world’s most-visited art museum, housing an extensive collection of precious paintings, tapestries, and sculptures—all of which carry a rich heritage that spans civilizations. Very much a work of art in itself, the museum is housed in a Parisian palace.
Thousands of people all over the world flock to the City of Love to pay a visit to the Louvre. On October 19, 2025, however, four dropped by to perform a brazen robbery.
What We Know About the Louvre Heist
At 9:30 a.m., less than an hour after the museum opened to visitors, a group of four (dressed as construction workers) parked a truck at the landmark’s southern corner. Attached to the vehicle was an electric ladder, which two of them climbed to access Galerie d’Apollon, which is home to the museum’s collection of crown jewels.
Cutting through the windows and glass cases using power tools, the pair gained direct access to rare artifacts, specifically leaving with eight items of immeasurable value—a number symbolic of the eight minutes it took to execute the crime.
The duo left through the same path they entered, escaping on two scooters waiting for them. As revealed by French media, one in three rooms in the specific area has no CCTV cameras. France’s Ministry of Culture claimed that the Louvre followed the proper protocols in the wake of the robbery, having security alarms sound upon the break-in. The security staff also ensured that no one was hurt.
The Stolen Jewels
Eight items were taken from the museum, and each of them are adorned with countless diamonds and gemstones, all dating back to the 19th century when they were under the ownership of French royalty and imperial rulers.
Tiara belonging to Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III | PHOTO: Louvre
Jewel-encrusted bow, also belonging to the empress | PHOTO: Louvre
An emerald necklace and a pair of emerald earrings from Empress Marie Louise | PHOTO: Louvre
Tiara from Queen Marie-Amelie and Queen Hortense’s sapphire set
Sapphire necklace from the same set | PHOTO: Louvre
A single earring, also part of the aforementioned collection | PHOTO: Louvre
Brooch known as the "reliquary brooch" | PHOTO: Louvre
photos to expand
Another crown belonging to Empress Eugénie was reportedly dropped during the escape and later discovered damaged along the route.
To profit from priceless pieces while remaining untraceable, thieves typically dismantle the objects, smelt the precious metals, and re-cut the gemstones.
Kyla Villena loves a good lip gloss and a trip to the art gallery. She is Preview's beauty girl, who doubles as a self-proclaimed motivational speaker.