PARIS (AP) — One of the most famous rooms inside the Louvre museum in Paris has reopened its doors to the public for the first time since a stunning theft of crown jewels last year left the world in shock.
The Apollo Gallery, once home to priceless royal jewelry and other treasured collections, is now empty of those valuables. Museum officials say the space will return to its original purpose as a ceremonial hall, a role it first served back in the 1600s.
To address the security failures exposed by the robbery, the Louvre has installed new surveillance cameras and upgraded its anti-intrusion systems throughout the museum.
The theft itself was remarkably swift. Criminals broke through a window and gained access to the Apollo Gallery in under eight minutes, making off with crown jewels valued at 88 million euros — roughly $102 million — during a weekend operation that left onlookers stunned and revealed serious gaps in the museum’s security.
Improving security is a central piece of a long-term overhaul called the “Louvre New Renaissance” plan, which was announced last year. The initiative, estimated to cost as much as 800 million euros — approximately $933 million — aims to modernize the museum’s aging infrastructure, reduce overcrowding, and create a dedicated gallery for the Mona Lisa by the year 2031.
