In brief
The Louvre’s Galerie d'Apollon reopened Wednesday to visitors after a daring jewellery heist that emptied the gallery of priceless gems in October. The historic space no longer displays France’s crown jewels, which are now secured in other museum areas. Thieves used a truck with mechanical ladders to scale the balcony and reach the showroom. Police have detained four suspects while the stolen items remain missing. The museum has announced future plans to enhance security and transparent public updates.
After nine months of closed doors, the Louvre’s Galerie d'Apollon – once the home of France’s crown jewels – welcomed visitors again on Wednesday. The iconic gallery, famed for its gilded columns and Mirador-like ceiling, is now empty of its former treasures, which will be exhibited in more secure spaces elsewhere in the museum.
The heist that prompted the closure took place on 19 October when masked thieves used a truck fitted with mechanical ladders to ascend a balcony and slip into the gallery. Their swift, coordinated breach resulted in the removal of gems worth millions, leaving the Louvre’s security infrastructure under intense scrutiny.
Following the incident, French police apprehended four suspects whom prosecutors say are linked to the robbery. While the arrests were a significant step in the investigation, the stolen jewellery has yet to be recovered and remains a major focus for investigators and the cementing of a more robust security protocol.
Director Christophe Leribault highlighted that the gallery’s reopening marks “a new era for the Louvre’s exhibition strategy.” The museum is planning a future “interactive experience” around the gallery while ensuring that valuable artefacts are protected by state‑class vaults and surveillance systems.
