The Louvre Museum in Paris is one of the greatest cultural institutions ever created – a place celebrating centuries of human creativity and iconic masterpieces. Recently, however, the museum has also found itself in the global spotlight for a very different reason. A high-profile theft in late 2025 shocked the art world and reminded us that even the most revered institutions are not immune to audacious crimes. As investigations continue, eyes from around the world remain fixed on the Louvre.
While the recent incident is still unfolding, it is far from the first time the Louvre has been touched by intrigue. In fact, the museum has a long and fascinating history of thefts, wartime evacuations and legendary heists – stories that add an unexpected layer of drama to one of Paris’s most visited landmarks. Before stepping into the Louvre’s grand halls yourself, it’s interesting to take a closer look at some of the most intriguing moments in its past.
(Photo: Bo Zhang)
What Are Some Of The Most Infamous Heists At The Louvre?
The most famous art theft in history took place in plain sight. In 1911, Vincenzo Peruggia—a former Louvre employee—entered the museum, hid overnight in a storage closet and walked out the next morning with Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa concealed under his coat. The painting went unnoticed for days, and its disappearance sparked international outrage. Peruggia was eventually caught in Florence two years later, claiming he wanted to return the painting to Italy. Ironically, the theft helped transform the Mona Lisa into the most famous painting in the world.
World War II and the Evacuation of the Louvre
During World War II, the Louvre faced a very different kind of threat. Anticipating the Nazi occupation of Paris, museum officials orchestrated one of the largest art evacuations in history. Thousands of artworks, including the Mona Lisa, were quietly removed and hidden across the French countryside. While Nazi looting devastated collections across Europe, the Louvre’s foresight preserved much of its greatest treasures, a remarkable feat of cultural protection under extraordinary circumstances.
The Le Chemin de Sèvres Heist in 1998
In 1998, thieves cut a small painting by Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot, Le Chemin de Sèvres, directly from its frame during museum hours and escaped without triggering alarms. The artwork has never been recovered. Its small size is believed to have played a role in the theft – a reminder that not all museum crimes involve dramatic smash-and-grab scenes.
The French Crown Jewels Theft in 2025
In October 2025, thieves executed a bold daylight robbery inside the Louvre’s Galerie d’Apollon, stealing several pieces from the French Crown Jewels collection in a matter of minutes. The incident stunned museum professionals and visitors alike. Although arrests were made, much of the stolen treasure remains missing, and the case continues to unfold, reinforcing just how powerful the allure of these historic objects remains.
Want to Go Deeper?
If these stories spark your curiosity, one highly recommended read is The Thefts of the Mona Lisa: The Complete Story of the World’s Most Famous Artwork by art-crime expert Noah Charney. Widely regarded as a leading authority on art theft, Charney’s book is fascinating insight into how crimes like the 1911 Mona Lisa heist reshaped museum security—and public obsession—forever. It’s a compelling companion for anyone planning a visit to the Louvre.
Learn More About The Louvre Museum In Paris
The Louvre Museum is far more than its moments of mystery. From ancient civilizations to Renaissance masterpieces and lavish royal galleries, it remains one of the most rewarding cultural experiences in Paris. For the best museum experience, we suggest booking a Private Tour of the Louvre.
If the Louvre is on your itinerary—along with the many other treasures Paris has to offer—consider booking directly with Vacation Perfect. Our carefully selected luxury vacation rentals place you close to world-famous attractions while offering the comfort, space and elegance of a true Parisian home.
Read about Paris and our apartment vacation rentals on our Paris Perfect travel blog for more ideas, travel information and inspiration. Contact us on our website or call 1-888-520-2087 to learn about renting a vacation apartment in Paris.
