Arguably the most famous museum theft in history, the disappearance of Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa in 1911 stunned the art world
The Louvre Museum in Paris, the world’s most-visited cultural institution, is no stranger to grand works of art—or to grand theft. The recent daylight robbery in its Apollo Room, where thieves made off with “priceless” French Crown Jewels, has once again highlighted the vulnerability of even the most secure cultural landmarks.
Yet this is far from the first time the Louvre has found itself at the centre of a major art heist. Over the decades, the museum has been the target of a number of thefts, some of which remain unsolved to this day.
The Mona Lisa Vanishes – 1911
Arguably the most famous museum theft in history, the disappearance of Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa in 1911 stunned the art world. The culprit was Vincenzo Peruggia, an Italian handyman who believed the painting should be returned to Italy. Disguised as a museum worker, he hid inside the Louvre overnight and calmly walked out the next morning with the painting tucked under his coat. The masterpiece was missing for over two years before resurfacing in Florence in 1913.
Courbet’s The Wave – 1971
In 1971, The Wave, a seascape by Gustave Courbet, was stolen from the Louvre in circumstances that remain largely unexplained. Unlike the Mona Lisa, this painting has never been recovered, and the details surrounding its theft remain a mystery. It remains one of the Louvre’s most puzzling losses.
The Curious Case of Chardin’s Still Life
Jean-Baptiste-Siméon Chardin’s Still Life with Attributes of the Arts also vanished from the museum under mysterious conditions. While it’s unclear exactly when or how the painting disappeared, its absence was eventually noticed, and it has not been seen since. The case remains unresolved.
Armour Robbery – 1983
In 1983, the Louvre faced two separate incidents. One was a failed attempt that was quickly foiled by museum staff. The other saw several valuable pieces of historic armour successfully stolen. While some items were later recovered, the theft prompted renewed scrutiny of the museum’s security systems.
The Apollo Room Robbery – 2025
Now, in 2025, the Louvre has once again made headlines after a swift, surgical theft in broad daylight. A highly organised group used a truck-mounted freight lift and an angle grinder to breach a window and enter the Apollo Room. In just seven minutes, they made off with priceless Crown Jewels before escaping on motorbikes. The museum was forced to close temporarily as investigations continue.
From the early 20th century to the present day, the Louvre’s history is not only filled with masterpieces but with stories of theft, intrigue, and unresolved mysteries.
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