The Louvre transferred part of its jewellery collection to the Bank of France vaults on Friday after a shocking robbery. French broadcaster RTL reported that the transfer happened quietly under heavy police protection. The moved items included several “Crown Jewels” from the Apollo Gallery and other rare pieces from across the museum.
The Bank of France vault, located 27 meters beneath its Paris headquarters, already stores 90% of the nation’s gold reserves. Officials said the relocation was a precautionary measure to protect the remaining treasures following last week’s daring theft.
Thieves Steal Millions in Minutes From World-Famous Museum
Last week, a group of thieves broke into the Louvre in broad daylight. They used a basket lift to reach a balcony leading to the Apollo Gallery, forced open a window, and smashed display cases. Within six to seven minutes, they grabbed eight royal jewels before fleeing on two-wheeled vehicles.
Investigators estimated the stolen collection’s value at around €88 million, excluding its immense historical significance to France. The Paris prosecutor confirmed that the operation appeared well-planned and executed with precision.
The heist has outraged the public and drawn condemnation from lawmakers, who called it a “national humiliation.”
French Lawmakers Demand Security Overhaul in Museums
The robbery reignited fierce debate about museum security across France. Lawmakers criticized the Louvre’s management for inadequate protection, citing years of underfunding despite repeated warnings from museum officials.
Cultural authorities said the Louvre’s alarm and surveillance systems require urgent upgrades to prevent future attacks. Security experts also urged other European museums to review protocols, noting that France has suffered at least four major museum burglaries in recent months.
The Louvre vowed full cooperation with investigators and pledged to restore public trust after what many see as one of the most audacious art thefts in recent French history.
