The Louvre reopens after the heist of the century

Three days after the theft of royal jewels worth more than $100 million shocked the art world, the Louvre Museum (France) reopened, but the exhibition area where the incident occurred remains temporarily closed for investigation.

Members of the forensic team examine a window believed to have been used in the burglary - Photo: REUTERS

On October 22, the Louvre Museum (Paris, France) officially welcomed visitors back after the theft known as "the theft of the century", which shocked the French art world and public.

According to Reuters , the Louvre is reviewing its entire security system and cooperating closely with the police during the investigation.

According to The Guardian and Le Monde , eight pieces of jewelry including a tiara, brooch and necklace were taken, with a total estimated value of around 88 million euros ($102 million) .

Culture Minister Rachida Dati said the thieves "entered calmly within four minutes, smashed the glass case, took the loot and left without violence, very professionally".

Meanwhile, Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin noted that the possibility of installing freight elevators undetected on public roads would create a "very negative image of France".

The incident occurred on the morning of October 19 at the Galerie d'Apollon gallery, which houses the precious French royal jewelry collection. The group of thieves is said to have approached the building using a forklift from the outside, broken in through a window and broke two display cases in just a few minutes - Photo: Lifestyle.INQ

The October 19 raid, just steps away from the Mona Lisa and worth more than $100 million, has put President Emmanuel Macron and Louvre Museum Director Laurence des Cars under new scrutiny - Photo: AP News

President Emmanuel Macron called the theft "an attack on a heritage that we cherish, because it is our history", and ordered increased security measures at the Louvre and other national museums.

Although the Louvre reopened on October 22, the Galerie d'Apollon area remained temporarily closed for investigation.

Museum director Laurence des Cars confirmed that the Louvre is reviewing its entire security process, including camera systems, motion sensors and security personnel.

Here are the historic pieces of jewelry that were stolen:

Queen Eugenie's pearl tiara on display at the Apollo Gallery - Photo: Getty Images

A set of jewelry belonging to Queen Marie-Amélie and Queen Hortense - Photo: Getty Images

The emerald necklace and earrings belonged to Napoleon's second wife, Empress Marie-Louise - Photo: Getty Images

Empress Eugénie brooch - Photo: Getty Images

Empress Eugénie's pearl crown - Photo: AFP

Empress Eugénie's crown - Photo: Getty Images

Relic brooch (left) and diamond bow brooch of Empress Eugénie - Photo: Louvre Museum

France upgrades security at Louvre Museum

Also on October 22, Director Laurence des Cars will testify before the French Senate. She previously warned that the Louvre's centuries-old building was "in a state of serious disrepair."

President Emmanuel Macron has announced a six-year renovation plan for the museum, including funding to upgrade security systems.

Responding on RTL radio, President of the National Audit Office Pierre Moscovici affirmed that budget cuts were not the cause of security breaches at the Louvre.

A day after the shocking theft at the Louvre, the Italian Ministry of Culture announced that it is developing security systems using artificial intelligence (AI) capable of identifying suspicious behavior around valuable artifacts.

According to AFP, the program has been funded by the European Union with more than 70 million euros from 2024, aiming to strengthen the protection of archaeological heritage and museums nationwide.

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Source: https://tuoitre.vn/bao-tang-louvre-mo-cua-tro-lai-sau-vu-trom-the-ky-20251022194839239.htm