On the morning of October 19, a robbery took place at the Louvre Museum in Paris. Unknown individuals stole part of Napoleon and the Empress’s jewelry collection. French Minister of Culture Rachida Dati confirmed the incident and reported that she was at the scene. The museum is temporarily closed.
According to French media reports, a group of criminals broke into the Apollo Gallery through a service entrance and stole nine pieces of jewelry from the imperial collection of Napoleon and Josephine.
The incident was first officially reported by French Minister of Culture Rachida Dati, who wrote on social media:
“The robbery took place this morning during the opening of the Louvre. There were no casualties. I am on site with the museum team and the police. The investigation is ongoing.”
According to AP News, the attack took place shortly after the museum opened. According to preliminary data, the criminals fled on a motor scooter along the Seine embankment, probably through an exit on the service side, where renovation work is ongoing.
The Ministry of Culture confirmed that the museum was closed “for exceptional reasons” while the investigation is ongoing. None of the employees or visitors were injured.
Among the stolen items are tiaras, brooches, necklaces, and other jewels from the historical collection that belonged to the imperial family. Experts note that their cultural value far exceeds their material value.
French police have launched an investigation, and a reinforced cordon has been set up around the museum.