Louvre Heist Thieves’ Stolen Empress Crown to Be Fully Restored
The Louvre Museum has announced plans to fully restore the crown of French Empress Eugenie, which was damaged during a high-profile heist last year. Thieves made off with jewels valued at €88 million ($104 million) during the robbery but abandoned the crown in their escape.
Louvre Heist Overview
In October 2022, a brazen robbery occurred at the Louvre, where thieves targeted a display case containing precious jewels. They fled the scene, leaving behind the damaged crown of Empress Eugenie. Initial assessments indicate the crown was deformed but is still nearly intact.
Details of the Crown
- Composed of diamond and emerald embellishments.
- Originally adorned with eight golden eagles; one is missing.
- Preserves 56 emeralds and 1,344 diamonds from its original count of 1,354.
The damage occurred when thieves attempted to extract the crown through a narrow opening they created in the glass display case. Fortunately, all major pieces of the crown have been found.
Restoration Plans
The Louvre’s management is set to restore the crown without the need for significant reconstruction. An expert committee, led by museum president Laurence des Cars, will oversee the restoration process. A qualified expert will be chosen to carry out the work following a competitive selection.
Progress on the Investigation
Law enforcement has arrested all four individuals believed to be involved in the heist. However, the mastermind behind the operation remains at large, and the remaining stolen jewels have not yet been recovered.
The museum remains hopeful about restoring the crown and continuing its legacy as a symbol of French history.
