Days before Art Basel Paris opens at the Grand Palais, a brazen daytime robbery at the Louvre Museum saw thieves steal jewels once belonging to Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie. Three masked men used a cherry picker and power tools to smash into the Galerie d’Apollon and fled within minutes, leaving one damaged crown behind. The heist has dominated French headlines and prompted political outrage, with Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez calling the stolen items of “inestimable heritage and historical value.” Art Basel organizers offered a general statement about taking security seriously but did not provide specifics when asked about steps taken in light of the robbery.
The robbery casts a strange light on the timing of Art Basel Paris, which debuts a new invitation-only preview called Avant Première for top collectors, followed by VIP days at the newly restored Grand Palais. The Louvre remains closed to preserve forensic evidence just as the art world descends on Paris. The incident renews scrutiny of security at French museums and raises questions about whether the fair has adequately addressed safety concerns, though organizers insist they are working closely with local authorities. The fair features 206 galleries from 41 countries and marks the final edition under director Clément Delépine.