The Louvre discreetly moved part of its jewellery collection to the Bank of France’s underground vaults on Friday. French radio network RTL reported that police escorted the transfer as a precaution following last week’s high-profile theft.
The transferred pieces included the famed “Crown Jewels” displayed in the Apollo Gallery and several others from different museum sections. The Bank of France vault, located 27 metres below its Paris headquarters, already houses 90% of France’s gold reserves.
Officials described the move as temporary while investigators continue searching for the stolen treasures. Security teams at the museum have since strengthened patrols and upgraded alarm systems to prevent further incidents.
Daring Heist Exposes Major Security Failures
Last week, several thieves carried out a daylight robbery inside the Louvre. They used a basket lift to reach a balcony, forced open a window, and shattered glass cases to seize eight crown jewels. The entire operation lasted between six and seven minutes before the robbers escaped on two-wheelers.
Paris prosecutors estimated the stolen jewels’ value at €88 million, excluding their immense historical importance. Authorities believe the thieves executed the heist with detailed planning and intimate knowledge of the museum’s layout.
French lawmakers condemned the incident as a “national humiliation,” accusing officials of neglecting museum security. The heist reignited public outrage and pressure on the government to increase funding for cultural protection.
Europe Faces Growing Wave of Museum Robberies
The Louvre robbery highlighted a broader trend of escalating museum thefts across Europe. French investigators said at least four museums in the country have been targeted in recent months.
Experts warned that limited investment, outdated surveillance, and staff shortages have made many institutions vulnerable. In Paris, museum workers previously raised alarms about insufficient resources to safeguard valuable collections.
Authorities continue coordinating with Interpol and European agencies to track art-smuggling networks linked to the recent string of heists. Officials said the investigation into the Louvre theft remains a top national priority until the jewels are recovered.
