Louvre museum robbery in Paris: 7-minute daredevil act includes ladder, scooter - here's how did robbers break in, escape? What jewels did the Louvre thieves target?

Louvre museum robbery in Paris on Sunday is nothing short of a script straight out of Hollywood heist flick. The thieves pulled up outside the Louvre on Sunday morning, on a road along the Seine river, and used an extendable ladder to break into an upper window that looks into the Galerie d'Apollon, or Apollo Gallery, authorities said.

Subsequently, robbers stole Jewellery worth millions and escaped on scooters. The whole act was carried out in seven minutes, as per a report on the U.S Sun.

Authorities have yet to say what pieces were stolen from Paris' Louvre on Sunday, but here are details of some of the treasures housed in the museum gallery the thieves targeted. Among the items displayed there are gems making up France's crown jewels, including one of the world's most valuable diamonds.


Galerie d'Apollon hosts the "Côte de Bretagne" spinel, a red-hued gemstone in the shape of a dragon which once belonged to Anne de Bretagne. There are also three important diamonds in the collection once owned by France's ousted royalty.

The first, the Regent, is one of the most famous in the world and weighs 140.64 carats. Sotheby's has estimated the diamond to be worth more than $60 million. "Even today, it is considered the finest diamond in the world for its clarity and the quality of its cut," the Louvre says on its website.

The Hortensia, a pink diamond, has already been stolen at least once, in 1792. It was found a month after its disappearance when the man suspected of stealing it - condemned to death and about to be hanged - revealed its hiding place.

The gallery also includes the crown of Louis XV, as well as the crown of Empress Eugenie, the wife of Napoleon III, which local media reported the thieves dropped outside the museum as they made their getaway.

Other pieces of headwear include the tiara of the Duchess of Angoulême, an emerald and diamond tiara that was given to the duchess by her uncle, Louis XVIII, and another tiara that was worn by Queen Hortense, Queen Marie-Amélie, and Isabelle of Orléans.

The collection also includes an emerald necklace given by Napoleon to Marie-Louise on the occasion of their marriage, and Louis XIV's hardstone vessel collection, which comprises some 800 pieces.

FAQs

Q1. Where has the robbery taken place?
A1. The robbery has taken place at Galerie d'Apollon in Paris.

Q2. What is the name of iconic gallery at Louvre museum in Paris?
A2. The name of iconic gallery at Louvre museum in Paris is Galerie d'Apollon.