A routine afternoon at Paris&rsquo; Louvre Museum turned into chaos on Saturday when panic spread through the galleries following reports of a daring jewellery theft. France&rsquo;s Culture Minister Rachida Dati confirmed the incident, saying, &ldquo;A theft took place at the Louvre in Paris,&rdquo; referring to the world-famous museum that houses Leonardo da Vinci&rsquo;s Mona Lisa.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of confusion as alarms rang and staff ushered visitors toward the exits. Videos circulating online showed crowds queueing to leave the museum while security officers and police sealed off the surrounding area. The Louvre, one of the world&rsquo;s most visited cultural landmarks, was swiftly evacuated and closed for the rest of the day as authorities launched an investigation.
Initial reports suggest that the robbers made off with jewellery items from within the premises before escaping. The exact nature and value of the stolen pieces remain unclear, but officials confirmed that no artworks, including the Mona Lisa, were harmed or at risk during the incident.
The Louvre sits at the heart of Paris, attracting millions of visitors every year. Saturday&rsquo;s theft has reignited concerns about museum security in the French capital. As police comb through CCTV footage and witness statements, questions are being raised about how thieves managed to pull off a heist inside one of the most heavily guarded museums in the world.

Panic at Louvre: Jewel Heist Sparks Evacuation

Chaos erupts at Paris’ iconic Louvre, robbers flee with stolen jewels, museum shut for day

Panic at Louvre: Jewel Heist Sparks Evacuation

Chaos erupts at Paris’ iconic Louvre, robbers flee with stolen jewels, museum shut for day

October 19, 2025 | 15:39 IST