Paris woke up to a plot twist. In October 2025, a fast in-and-out gang struck the Louvre’s Galerie d’Apollon, grabbing part of France’s royal jewelry in a raid that lasted minutes and triggered a security reset across the world’s most visited museum. Police made multiple arrests soon after, yet the core set of stolen pieces has not been recovered as of the latest updates. The gallery’s status, security protocols and visitor flow all shifted in the weeks that followed.
First things first: is the Louvre open
Yes. The museum reopened shortly after the incident, while the Galerie d’Apollon stayed closed for checks and adjustments. In the aftermath, the Louvre accelerated recommended security upgrades and temporarily relocated select jewels off site as a precaution. That means you can still plan a full visit, but the crown-jewel experience is in flux until the gallery’s program stabilizes.
What actually happened
Thieves disguised as workers used a lift to access a balcony, cut through glass, and smashed display cases. The operation took under eight minutes, with barely four minutes inside the building. They fled along the Seine; arrests followed days later, yet the main haul remains missing. One crown was dropped during the escape and recovered with damage that conservators believe can be repaired.
Which exhibits are missing right now
The theft targeted 19th century pieces from the French Crown Jewels. Authorities published the list and flagged the items in international databases. Here is the concise breakdown of what is still unaccounted for according to official and major media reports.
- Sapphire set elements associated with Queen Marie-Amélie and Queen Hortense: a tiara, a necklace and a single earring.
- Empress Marie-Louise emeralds: one necklace and a pair of earrings.
- Two historically significant brooches: a reliquary brooch and a large corsage bow brooch.
- Tiara of Empress Eugénie de Montijo.
Important context. The most famous diamonds of the gallery, including the Regent and the Sancy, were not taken. This is why many visitors still assume “the diamonds are safe” even if the jewel cases look reconfigured for now.
What changed for visitors
Even with the Louvre open, several practical changes followed the heist. Not all are visible, but they affect timing and flow.
| Area | What changed | What it means for you |
|---|---|---|
| Galerie d’Apollon | Temporary closure and phased reopening with added controls | Check day-of signage. Do not promise the gallery in a 2-hour sprint. |
| Security | Audit recommendations fast-tracked. Camera coverage and access rules reviewed | Arrive earlier for screening. Some routes may feel more one-way. |
| Collections logistics | High-value jewels temporarily stored off site for risk reduction | Expect rotations and fewer jewel cases until policies settle. |
How to plan a post-heist Louvre visit that still delivers
Good news. Ninety-nine percent of the Louvre experience remains world class. The fix is planning. Go in with a timed ticket plus a route that does not depend on one gallery being open at a specific hour. Start with Denon Wing icons, then use sculpture courts as your reset zones before moving to Egyptian or Near Eastern rooms. You will leave with a stronger impression than if you hovered at a closed door to the Apollo Gallery.
- Book a timed entry in advance. It reduces wait variance on busy days.
- Anchor your loop on Winged Victory, Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo and Cour Marly for guaranteed momentum.
- If the Apollo Gallery reopens during your slot, treat it as a bonus, not the core of your plan.
FAQ quick hits
Will the stolen jewels return soon Investigations are active with new arrests reported, but authorities have not announced a recovery. Expect a long horizon.
Is the museum less safe now The opposite. The heist exposed blind spots that are now being fixed under public scrutiny, with leadership acknowledging gaps and accelerating upgrades.
Can I still have a great visit Absolutely. Most masterworks and core routes are unaffected. Focus your plan and use timed entry to keep queues predictable.
Tickets and practical next steps
Lock your time slot before you fly and build a realistic 2-hour or 4-hour route. For clear options and quick confirmation, use https://tickets-louvre.fr/. Planning the Eiffel Tower on the same trip. A helpful resource is https://tickets-eiffeltower.fr/.
