Louvre Relocates Crown Jewels to Bank of France Following Robbery

Post by : Raina Nasser

In light of a shocking daylight theft, the Louvre has decided to relocate its invaluable crown jewels to the Bank of France, underscoring serious concerns regarding museum security. As reported by French radio RTL, this transfer occurred on Friday, accompanied by a covert police escort, just days after thieves audaciously stole several priceless artifacts from the Apollo gallery.

On October 19, the Apollo gallery—home to France's crown jewels—fell victim to a bold robbery. Thieves employed a crane to breach an upstairs window during visitation hours and escaped via motorcycles, absconding with eight jewels estimated to be worth around $102 million. This dramatic heist has revealed significant weaknesses within the Louvre’s security, causing widespread outrage and national embarrassment in France.

To safeguard these irreplaceable items, the Louvre has moved multiple crown jewels to the Bank of France, which securely houses the nation’s gold reserves 27 meters underground. Located a mere 500 meters from the museum, it lies on the Right Bank of the River Seine.

Security experts have cautioned that this bold act highlights the escalating risks faced by cultural heritage sites. As one of the world's most-visited museums, the Louvre is now subject to intense scrutiny while authorities investigate how such a high-profile robbery was executed.

The shocking theft has drawn international attention, making headlines across the globe. Authorities are emphasizing the need for enhanced vigilance as investigations proceed, and the Louvre is implementing measures to ensure the security of its crown jewels and other significant artifacts.

This decision to transfer the jewels to the Bank of France serves as a poignant reminder that even the most renowned cultural institutions are vulnerable to crime, and that safeguarding global heritage demands continuous effort and vigilance.