The Louvre Museum in Paris reopened its Apollo Gallery to the public after the gallery had been closed following a significant theft. The heist, which occurred in October, resulted in the loss of crown jewels valued at 88 million euros. Nine months after the incident, the stolen items have not been recovered.
Museum officials announced that the gallery would return to its original 17th-century ceremonial purpose, with all collections and precious jewels previously displayed there being relocated to other areas of the museum. Director Christophe Leribault, who took his position in February following the resignation of previous director Laurence des Cars, stated that the gallery’s architectural and decorative elements offer an opportunity for visitors to appreciate the space anew.
French Culture Minister Catherine Pegard characterized the theft as a significant moment of vulnerability for the institution, describing it as a trauma that resonated globally. The incident exposed security gaps at the world’s most-visited museum and prompted immediate action to enhance protective measures.
The museum has since implemented security upgrades, including new surveillance cameras and anti-intrusion systems. These improvements are part of a broader modernization initiative called the “Louvre New Renaissance,” a decade-long plan launched the previous year with an estimated budget of up to 800 million euros. The comprehensive project aims to modernize infrastructure, address overcrowding issues, and create a dedicated gallery for the Mona Lisa by 2031.
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