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Louvre to Restore Empress Eugénie’s Crown After Heist, No Reconstruction Required

An expert panel will select a certified restorer following a museum assessment that the deformed piece can be reshaped without reconstruction.

Overview

  • New images and a condition report show crushing damage from removal through a narrow slot cut in the display case, with one golden eagle missing and four palmettes detached while the central orb remains intact.
  • The crown retains all 56 emeralds and all but about 10 of its 1,354 diamonds, with several detached stones preserved for reassembly.
  • The Louvre has opened a competitive procurement under French heritage regulations, with a committee chaired by Laurence des Cars to supervise the conservation work.
  • Four alleged members of the October 19, 2025 crew have been arrested and charged, while the suspected mastermind and the eight stolen jewels remain unaccounted for.
  • Police say the thieves used a truck-mounted ladder to access the Galerie d’Apollon, cut cases with angle grinders, and fled on scooters, prompting security reviews and upgrades at the museum.