The Louvre has reopened the Apollo Gallery following a robbery
In Paris, the Louvre has reopened the Apollo Gallery—which was robbed last year—to visitors after a nine-month closure. However, the royal relics previously stolen from this hall will no longer be displayed in the Apollo Gallery.
Visitors can once again see the 17th-century interior of the Apollo Gallery—one of the museum’s most famous historical spaces. Louvre Director Christophe Leribault announced that the treasures will henceforth be displayed in another, more secure location within the museum, according to “Ukrainska Pravda,” citing “European Pravda” and Reuters.
Culture Minister Catherine Pégard called the gallery’s reopening a symbol of a new beginning for the museum following “a trauma for the entire world.” She also promised to strengthen security measures at museums across the country.
In October, two men parked a forklift near the Louvre in broad daylight, drove it up to the second floor, smashed a window, and used angle grinders to cut open the display cases. They then fled on scooters along with two accomplices. The robbery lasted less than seven minutes.
Four individuals suspected of direct involvement in the crime have been charged and are currently in custody. The stolen items have not yet been found, with the exception of the damaged crown of Empress Eugénie—the wife of Napoleon III. It was discovered near the museum and is currently undergoing restoration. In February, Laurence de Carré, who was the museum’s director at the time of the robbery, resigned following a barrage of criticism.
