The Louvre transferred part of its jewellery collection to the Bank of France on Friday following last week’s dramatic theft. French radio network RTL reported that the transfer happened quietly under police protection. The operation included the “Crown Jewels” displayed in the Apollo Gallery and several other priceless items.
The Bank of France’s vault, located 27 metres underground at its Paris headquarters, now houses the collection. The vault already stores 90% of France’s gold reserves. Authorities acted swiftly to protect remaining treasures as public anger over the theft continued to grow.
Thieves Pull Off Daring Daylight Robbery
Last week, several thieves stormed the Louvre in broad daylight and executed a six-minute heist. They used a basket lift to reach a balcony leading to the Apollo Gallery, forced open a window, and smashed display cases. The group then escaped on motorbikes through nearby streets before security could intervene.
Investigators estimate the stolen jewels’ value at around 88 million euros, excluding their immense historical significance. The Paris prosecutor confirmed that the robbery was fast and highly organized, shocking both French authorities and international observers.
Outrage and Security Concerns Grip France
The theft ignited outrage across France and sparked intense debate about museum security. Lawmakers condemned the incident as a “national humiliation” and accused officials of neglecting Louvre security warnings. Museum administrators previously urged the government to increase investment in protection systems but received limited support.
The Louvre’s heist adds to a troubling pattern of art crimes in Europe. In France alone, thieves have targeted at least four museums in recent months. Authorities have now increased patrols around cultural institutions and pledged to review security measures to prevent future losses of national treasures.
