Thieves Flee Paris Museum with Jewellery Worth Tens of Millions of Euros

In a daring Sunday morning heist, thieves used an extendable ladder to break into the Louvre’s Apollo Gallery, home to France’s priceless crown jewels. While authorities haven’t confirmed the exact items stolen, the gallery houses some of the world’s most valuable gems, including diamonds worth over $60 million.

Key Takeaways

• Thieves broke into the Louvre’s Apollo Gallery using a ladder on Sunday morning
• The gallery contains France’s crown jewels and world-famous diamonds
• Some items may have been dropped during the escape, including Empress Eugenie’s crown
• Exact stolen items remain unconfirmed by authorities

The Daring Break-In

The thieves arrived along the Seine river road and used an extendable ladder to access an upper window overlooking the Galerie d’Apollon. The sophisticated entry method suggests careful planning of the operation.

What is the Apollo Gallery?

Commissioned by Louis XIV in 1661 after a fire damaged the Louvre, the Apollo Gallery was designed by architect Louis Le Vau to reflect the king’s sun emblem. The ornate gold-leaf space later inspired Versailles’ Hall of Mirrors and now houses France’s most precious royal jewels.

Priceless Treasures in the Collection

The gallery contains extraordinary pieces including:

• The “Côte de Bretagne” spinel – a dragon-shaped red gem once owned by Anne de Bretagne
• The Regent Diamond – 140.64 carats, valued over $60 million and considered the world’s finest diamond
• The Hortensia Diamond – a pink diamond previously stolen in 1792 and recovered dramatically

Other Potential Targets

Additional treasures include Louis XV’s crown and Empress Eugenie’s crown, which reports suggest was dropped during the thieves’ escape. The collection also features multiple historic tiaras and Napoleon’s emerald necklace gift to Marie-Louise. Louis XIV’s hardstone vessel collection of approximately 800 pieces adds to the gallery’s immense value.