Louvre reopens Apollo Gallery nine months after crown jewel theft

The Louvre's Apollo Gallery reopened on July 22, 2026, nine months after the audacious theft of French crown jewels valued at 88 million euros (about $102 million). The gallery now stands empty of its former treasures, returning to its original 17th-century ceremonial function as a space to appreciate its painted and sculpted decorations. Source: AP News

The robbery

The heist occurred on October 19, 2025, when four men used a truck-mounted lift to reach a balcony, cut through a window with a disc cutter, and stole eight pieces – including collars, tiaras, and brooches – in just seven minutes. Source: Infobae Only the crown of Empress Eugénie was recovered, damaged; the rest remain missing despite arrests. Source: El Colombiano The robbery exposed severe security flaws and led to the resignation of museum director Laurence des Cars, replaced by Christophe Leribault in February 2026. Source: AP News

A new beginning

The Louvre has reinforced security with window bars, new cameras, and anti-intrusion systems. Source: La Voz The surviving jewels will be moved to a new windowless, high-security room. Source: Diario Libre Leribault called the reopening "an opportunity to rediscover the splendid architecture and decoration of this gallery." Source: AP News The theft has also accelerated the Louvre's broader "Nouvelle Renaissance" renovation plan, budgeted at up to 800 million euros, which includes a dedicated Mona Lisa gallery by 2031.