Objects of power, ceremony and continuity in monarchies
Two men implicated in the October 2025 Louvre burglary have told investigative judges that the mastermind behind the heist was unhappy with the haul and believed more could be taken. They say they were recruited just days before the break-in and that the plan involved smashing display cases to steal royal jewelry worth about €88 million. The men, Abdoulaye N and Ghelamallah A, say they were paid up to €20,000 and faced dire financial pressures.
The Apollo Gallery at the Louvre has reopened after nine months, but the crown jewels are no longer on display. Eight jewels valued at about $102 million were stolen in October; authorities have charged four suspects, and the jewels remain missing. Security upgrades are in place as France reviews museum safety in the Louvre New Renaissance plan.