Louvre Transfers Jewels to Bank of France Vault Following Heist

Following a recent heist, the Louvre has moved a portion of its valuable jewels to the Bank of France's ultra-secure "Souterraine" vault. This transfer occurred on Friday under police escort, with the new location being 500 meters from the museum. The move follows a Sunday break-in where thieves stole items valued at €88 million from the Gallery of Apollo, prompting discussions on museum security.

Jewel Relocation

On Friday, the Louvre transferred some of its remaining precious jewels to the Bank of France, a distance of 500 meters (about 500 yards) from the museum. This transfer was overseen by a police escort.

The jewels are now stored in the Bank of France's "Souterraine" vault, located 26 meters (85 feet) below the ground floor of its central Paris headquarters. This vault also contains 90% of France's gold reserves, Leonardo Da Vinci's notebooks, and other national treasures. The estimated value of its contents is €600 million (£520 million).

The bank states the "Souterraine" vault was designed to resist attacks. Its main shaft is protected by a 50-centimeter-thick, seven-tonne door made of flame-resistant concrete and reinforced with steel. Behind this door, a 35-tonne rotating concrete turret is present, which the bank claims prevents forced entry.

Recent Heist Details

Last Sunday, masked individuals breached a reinforced window in the Louvre's Gallery of Apollo, where France's crown jewels are housed. The individuals used an angle grinder to gain entry. The incident lasted eight minutes.

The individuals seized items including a necklace that belonged to Empress Marie-Louise, wife of Napoleon, and a diadem of Empress Eugenie, wife of Napoleon III. The stolen items are valued at €88 million (£77 million). Access to the gallery was gained via a first-floor balcony, using a mechanical ladder mounted on the back of a lorry.

Security Assessments

Interior Minister Laurent Nunez has expressed confidence that the thieves will be apprehended. French ministers have maintained that security at the museum operated correctly on the day of the incident.

Louvre director Laurence des Cars informed French lawmakers on Wednesday about "aging" infrastructure. Des Cars further stated that the only security camera monitoring the exterior wall where the break-in occurred was facing an incorrect direction.