The Louvre Museum in Paris opened its Apollo Gallery to the public on Wednesday, marking the first time visitors could enter the space since a significant theft occurred nine months prior. During the earlier heist, thieves removed crown jewels valued at 88 million euros in a daring daytime operation that lasted less than eight minutes. The stolen items have not been recovered.
Following the reopening, the Apollo Gallery no longer displays any crown jewels or precious objects. Museum officials explained that the collections previously housed in the gallery have been relocated to other sections of the museum, with the space returning to its original purpose as a ceremonial room from the 17th century. Director Christophe Leribault stated that the reconfiguration presents an opportunity for visitors to appreciate the gallery’s architectural and decorative features, including its gilded ceilings and Greek frescoes.
The theft prompted significant leadership changes at the institution. The previous director, Laurence des Cars, departed following the October heist and a series of operational failures that undermined confidence in museum management. Leribault was appointed as director in February to lead the organization forward.
French Culture Minister Catherine Pegard characterized the heist as traumatic, noting it exposed vulnerabilities at a institution long considered secure. She emphasized that the incident should not be forgotten, as it demonstrated the fragility of even renowned cultural institutions.
In response to the security breaches, the Louvre has implemented enhanced protective measures, including new surveillance cameras and anti-intrusion systems. These improvements are part of a broader modernization initiative called the “Louvre New Renaissance” plan, a decade-long project estimated to cost approximately 800 million euros and designed to upgrade infrastructure and reduce visitor crowding through 2031.
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