The Louvre quietly transferred parts of its jewellery collection to the Bank of France vaults on Friday, French radio RTL reported. Police escorted the transfer, which included items from the Apollo Gallery and other exhibits. Officials acted after last week’s audacious theft of eight crown jewels from the museum.
The vault, located 27 metres beneath the Bank of France headquarters, stores about 90% of the nation’s gold reserves. The precautionary move aims to protect the remaining treasures while investigators search for the thieves.
Thieves Execute Daring Daylight Robbery
Last week, several burglars carried out a bold daylight heist inside the Louvre. The suspects used a basket lift to reach a balcony near the Apollo Gallery, forced open a window, and smashed display cases. They grabbed the jewels and fled on two motorbikes. The robbery lasted only six to seven minutes.
Prosecutors estimate the stolen jewels’ value at 88 million euros, excluding their immense historical significance. Authorities described the theft as one of the most brazen cultural crimes in recent French history. Police continue to track leads using footage from nearby surveillance cameras.
Outrage Grows Over Museum Security Failures
The heist ignited fury across France and triggered harsh criticism of museum security standards. Lawmakers called the robbery a “national humiliation,” accusing cultural officials of ignoring repeated warnings about underfunding. Museum staff had previously requested more investment in security and infrastructure.
The theft follows a troubling pattern. In recent months, at least four French museums have suffered major robberies, reflecting a wider European rise in art and artefact crimes. Authorities now face mounting pressure to strengthen security systems protecting France’s most valuable cultural treasures.
