Louvre Museum crown left crushed but 'intact' after raid

In October, thieves raided the Louvre Museum, stealing an estimated 88 million euros in jewels from the Galerie d'Apollon. During their escape, the thieves dropped the diamond-studded crown of Empress Eugenie, wife of Napoleon III, leaving it crushed but largely intact. The museum released the first photos of the damaged crown, confirming it was "badly deformed" but can be fully restored without reconstruction, though one golden eagle is missing. The heist involved using a stolen vehicle-mounted mechanical lift to access the gallery, cutting through a window, and threatening guards before escaping on scooters. While four suspects have been arrested, the mastermind remains at large, and seven other stolen jewelry items are still missing.

Empress Eugénie's crown was recovered damaged after a daring heist at the Louvre Museum in October 2025. The crown, adorned with gold eagles, emeralds, and diamonds, was dropped by thieves outside the museum. The Louvre has released photos showing significant damage, including bent arches, a toppled cross, and a missing eagle. The museum plans to restore the crown, estimating initial costs at €40,000, and will form a committee of experts to oversee the delicate repair work. The theft, which exposed security flaws, led to an investigation, multiple arrests, and the ongoing closure of the Apollo Gallery. The other stolen jewels remain missing.