The Louvre has reopened its Apollo Gallery after months of closure following the 2025 theft of French crown jewels. Visitors can once again access the historic gallery, while the museum has relocated the jewelry collection to a more secure exhibition space as security measures are strengthened.
Key Takeaways
- The Louvre reopened the Apollo Gallery after a nine-month closure.
- The French crown jewels are no longer displayed inside the gallery.
- The jewelry collection has been moved to a more secure location within the museum.
- Authorities have charged four suspects in connection with the 2025 heist.
- The reopening follows increased scrutiny of museum security and infrastructure.
The Louvre Apollo Gallery has reopened to the public after remaining closed for nine months following the theft of French crown jewels in October 2025. Visitors can once again enter one of the museum’s best-known historic galleries, although the jewelry collection that once occupied the space has been relocated to another part of the museum with enhanced security.
Museum director Christophe Leribault confirmed that the French crown jewels will no longer be displayed inside the Apollo Gallery. Instead, they have been transferred to a more secure exhibition area within the Louvre as the museum responds to security concerns raised by last year’s robbery.
The reopening restores public access to a gallery recognized for its ornate 17th-century interior and its importance within the museum’s permanent collection. Readers interested in the museum’s artistic legacy can also explore the masterpieces of the Louvre collections. While visitors can once again view the restored decorative features, the display cases that previously held the crown jewels remain absent from the exhibition.
Louvre Apollo Gallery Reopens to Visitors
The Apollo Gallery welcomed visitors after extensive work to prepare the space for reopening following the theft. Museum officials chose to reopen the gallery without returning the valuable jewelry collection to its former location.
The gallery remains one of the Louvre’s most recognizable ceremonial rooms. Designed by architect Louis Le Vau and decorated by painter Charles Le Brun during the reign of King Louis XIV, the space features elaborate ceiling paintings, gilded ornamentation and decorative artwork centered on the theme of the sun.
The gallery also served as the design inspiration for the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles, making it one of the museum’s most historically significant interiors. The Louvre has also continued hosting international exhibitions, including Qihang Zhang’s Louvre presentation in Paris.
French Culture Minister Catherine Pegard attended the reopening ceremony and stated that reopening the gallery marked a new chapter following the robbery. She also announced that security measures at museums across France would be strengthened.
Visitors now experience the gallery primarily as an architectural and artistic landmark rather than as the home of the French crown jewels.
Crown Jewels Relocated to a Secure Exhibition Space
Museum officials decided that the French crown jewels would be displayed elsewhere inside the Louvre rather than returned to the Apollo Gallery.
According to Christophe Leribault, relocating the collection provides stronger protection while allowing public access to continue under improved security conditions.
The decision changes the long-standing presentation of the collection, which had been displayed inside the Apollo Gallery before the theft.
Among the most notable objects affected is the collection associated with French imperial history, including pieces linked to Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie.
The only recovered object from the stolen collection is the crown belonging to Empress Eugénie. Authorities found it damaged near the museum after the robbery, and it remains under restoration before it can be exhibited again.
Most of the remaining stolen jewels have not been recovered.
October 2025 Heist Prompted Major Security Review
Details of the Seven-Minute Robbery
The Apollo Gallery closed after thieves carried out one of the most significant museum robberies in recent French history.
According to investigators, two men positioned a movers’ lift outside the Louvre in broad daylight before using it to reach a second-story window. After breaking the window, they entered the gallery and used angle grinders to open display cases containing the crown jewels.
Authorities reported that two additional accomplices waited on scooters outside the museum, allowing the suspects to leave quickly after completing the theft.
Investigators estimated that the robbery lasted less than seven minutes.
The stolen collection was valued at approximately $102 million.
Recovery Efforts for the Missing Collection
French investigators launched an extensive criminal investigation following the robbery.
Authorities have charged four individuals suspected of direct involvement in the theft, and those suspects remain in custody while legal proceedings continue.
Despite the arrests, nearly all of the stolen items remain missing.
The recovery of Empress Eugénie’s damaged crown represents the only confirmed recovery from the stolen collection. Restoration specialists are repairing the piece before it can be returned to public display.
Officials have not announced the recovery of any additional jewels.
Museum Leadership and Security Measures Changed After Theft
Changes Following the Security Review
The robbery triggered leadership changes at the Louvre alongside a broader review of museum security.
Laurence des Cars, who served as president of the Louvre during the robbery, resigned in February following criticism related to the theft and separate labor disputes involving museum employees.
The incident also renewed attention on security investment throughout France’s museum system.
Culture Minister Catherine Pegard announced that security at museums nationwide would be reinforced following the Louvre robbery.
The Louvre has also faced criticism from France’s state auditors regarding spending priorities. Auditors questioned the museum’s investment in security infrastructure and maintenance while significant funding had been directed toward artwork acquisitions and post-pandemic reopening initiatives.
The review also examined the balance between expanding collections and protecting existing cultural assets displayed within the museum.
Investigation Into the Stolen Crown Jewels Continues
French authorities continue investigating the theft while searching for the remaining missing jewels.
The criminal case remains active following the charges filed against four suspects connected to the robbery.
Museum officials have focused on restoring visitor access while separating exhibition planning from the ongoing investigation.
The Apollo Gallery now operates without the collection that had long been associated with the historic room. Visitors instead encounter the gallery’s architecture, painted ceilings and decorative artwork while the French crown jewels are exhibited under stronger security elsewhere inside the museum.
The reopening represents the museum’s first opportunity to fully reopen the gallery since the October 2025 robbery while authorities continue efforts to recover the missing artifacts and complete the criminal investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are the French crown jewels no longer displayed in the Apollo Gallery?
The Louvre relocated the collection to a more secure exhibition area following the October 2025 theft.
When did the Louvre reopen the Apollo Gallery?
The museum reopened the Apollo Gallery in July 2026 after a nine-month closure.
What happened during the 2025 Louvre jewel theft?
Thieves entered the Apollo Gallery through a second-story window, broke into display cases, stole French crown jewels, and escaped in less than seven minutes.
Which stolen item has been recovered so far?
Authorities recovered the damaged crown of Empress Eugénie, which is currently undergoing restoration.
What security changes followed the Louvre heist?
The Louvre relocated the crown jewels to a more secure exhibition space, and French officials announced plans to strengthen security measures at museums nationwide.
