The Louvre Museum reopened the Galerie d'Apollon to the public on Wednesday, July 22 [4], following a nine-month closure [5].
The reopening marks a significant step in the museum's recovery from a high-profile daylight robbery. However, the gallery remains empty of the crown jewels and precious stones that were targeted by thieves, leaving a void where some of France's most valuable treasures once sat.
The gallery had been shuttered since Oct. 19, 2025 [3], when four thieves broke in and stole eight jewels [1]. The stolen items have an estimated value of approximately 88 million euros [2]. Despite the reopening of the space, the missing jewels have not been recovered.
Museum officials used the closure to implement rigorous security upgrades to prevent future thefts. A Louvre spokesperson said the museum accelerated the implementation of security measures, including the installation of a mobile police post inside the museum [6].
While the absence of the crown jewels is a stark reminder of the heist, museum leadership suggested the current state of the gallery offers a different kind of draw for visitors. The Louvre director said, "Visitarla ahora es aún más interesante" — visiting it now is even more interesting [7].
The Galerie d'Apollon is one of the most ornate spaces in the museum, known for its gold leaf, and mirrored ceilings. Visitors can now view the architecture and remaining art, but the display cases that once held the crown jewels remain vacant.
“The gallery now displays no jewels or other valuable objects that were stolen in 2025.”
The decision to reopen the gallery without the recovered assets suggests the Louvre is prioritizing the restoration of public access and the demonstration of its new security infrastructure over waiting for a police breakthrough. By installing a mobile police post and upgrading surveillance, the museum aims to signal that the site is once again secure, even as the loss of 88 million euros in assets remains an unresolved blow to the national collection.
