Alarms blared at the Louvre as four suspects executed a seven‑minute daylight raid, climbing to a second‑floor window with a mobile ladder, cutting it open with an angle grinder, and smashing cases in the Apollo Gallery. They fled on two motorbikes with nine “priceless” pieces, including a diadem from the collections of Queens Marie-Amélie and Hortense, an emerald necklace and earrings from Marie‑Louise, and a bow brooch from Empress Eugénie. President Emmanuel Macron condemned the theft; the museum closed and will refund visitors. About 60 specialized investigators are pursuing the professional, organized heist.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.