The Louvre secretly transferred parts of its jewelry collection to the Bank of France’s underground vaults on Friday. French radio network RTL reported that the museum acted after last week’s daring daylight robbery that shocked the nation. Police escorted the transfer to ensure the jewels’ safety.
The moved items included the famous “Crown Jewels” from the Apollo Gallery and other valuable pieces from across the museum. The Bank of France vault, located 27 meters below its headquarters in central Paris, also stores 90% of the country’s gold reserves.
Museum officials described the move as a precautionary step while investigators continue to hunt the suspects behind the heist.
Thieves Execute Bold Daylight Raid Inside the Louvre
Several thieves broke into the Louvre in broad daylight last week, carrying out one of France’s most audacious art thefts in years. They used a basket lift to reach a balcony near the Apollo Gallery, forced open a window, and smashed display cases to seize the jewels.
The entire robbery lasted between six and seven minutes. The thieves then fled through the Paris streets on two-wheelers before police could respond. Prosecutors estimated the stolen pieces at around €88 million, excluding their immense historical value.
Authorities believe the operation required careful planning and detailed knowledge of the museum’s layout and security systems.
Outrage Grows as Lawmakers Demand Stronger Security
The heist ignited public anger and intense political debate. French lawmakers called the robbery a “national humiliation” and demanded urgent reforms to protect cultural heritage. Officials acknowledged that Louvre administrators had previously warned of underfunding and outdated security systems.
The incident follows a troubling pattern across Europe, where museum thefts have surged in recent years. France alone has suffered at least four museum robberies in the past few months.
Investigators continue to review footage, analyze evidence, and track potential links between recent heists. Authorities vowed to recover the missing treasures and strengthen security across the country’s museums.
