The Louvre Museum closes after the theft of jewels of “inestimable” value, says the French Interior Minister
PARIS and LONDON – The Louvre Museum in Paris said it would remain closed on Sunday for “exceptional reasons”, while two French ministers said an investigation into a theft was underway.
“This morning a robbery occurred at the inauguration of the Louvre Museum,” said French Culture Minister Rachida Dati. saying on social networks.
Dati added: “There are no injuries to report. I am at the scene along with museum teams and police. Investigations are underway.”
French police officers investigate an alleged robbery at the Louvre Museum on Quai Francois Mitterrand in Paris on October 19, 2025.
Resign Dilkoff/AFP via Getty Images
French Interior Minister Laurent Núñez said in an interview on local radio that several objects were stolen from the museum and added that their value would be “inestimable.”
At least three suspects appeared to have been involved, Nunez said, adding that some or all of them appeared to have entered the Apollon Gallery and taken jewelry. He said they appeared to have used a construction ladder to enter or exit the building.
The alleged robbery lasted about seven minutes, he said. The suspects then fled on motorcycles, he said.
Police officers stand near the Louvre museum pyramid after reports of a robbery, in Paris, France, on October 19, 2025.
Gonzalo Fuentes/Reuters
A notice posted on the museum’s website said: “The Louvre Museum will be closed today for exceptional reasons. We thank you for your understanding.”
Kaci Benedetti, who was visiting Paris from the United States, told ABC News that she was waiting in line to enter the museum on Sunday when a commotion began. Police ran through the yard where Benedetti and his family were waiting, he said.
Forensic police officers arrive at the Louvre museum following reports of a robbery, in Paris, France, on October 19, 2025.
Gonzalo Fuentes/Reuters
He watched as officers tried to enter the building through a side door, but “they couldn’t because they were closed,” he said.
“We could see people running inside and some were banging on the glass doors to get out, but they couldn’t because they were closed,” Benedetti said. “Then the police and military police arrived. After about a At that time they announced that the Louvre was closed for today.”
