Payam Javan: Authorities in Paris are investigating a daring robbery at the Louvre Museum after thieves made off with several historic jewels from the famed Galerie d’Apollon on Sunday morning. According to officials, the perpetrators arrived in a vehicle along the Seine River and used an extendable ladder to access an upper window, breaking into the gallery before escaping with the treasures.

The stolen pieces include eight royal jewels of immense historical and cultural value, originally belonging to French queens and empresses. Among the items taken were a tiara and necklace from the sapphire set of Queen Marie-Amélie and Queen Hortense, an emerald necklace and earrings from the Marie-Louise set, the reliquary brooch, and two pieces once owned by Empress Eugénie — her tiara and a large bodice knot brooch. The crown of Empress Eugénie, made of gold, emeralds, and diamonds, was later recovered outside the museum, apparently dropped during the thieves’ escape.

Officials from France’s Culture Ministry have condemned the theft, calling it a “major cultural loss.” Security footage and forensic teams are reviewing evidence as authorities pursue leads on the gang responsible. The robbery has raised concerns about the security of national treasures, as the Galerie d’Apollon houses some of France’s most valuable crown jewels and artifacts.

The Galerie d’Apollon itself is one of the Louvre’s most iconic spaces. Commissioned by Louis XIV after a 1661 fire, the grand hall was designed by architect Louis Le Vau to honor the Sun King’s emblem, Apollo, the Greek god of the sun. Lavishly decorated with gilded details and ceiling paintings, it later inspired the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles — a fitting backdrop for the royal jewels that have now been lost to theft.