The Louvre Heist & What We Are Drawn to Museums

No heist plans here — just great museum stories

November 04, 2025

Unless you've been living under the proverbial rock, you've probably heard about the brazen heist at the Louvre Museum in Paris. When I heard that, I couldn't help but think back to my post about why people visit museums, and I can confirm that 'scoping the place before a robbery' wasn't on the list.

The heist is still fresh, so I thought it would be fun to explore the world of museums, which I am a huge fan of. In this month's newsletter, let's dive into three things: why museums still matter, the latest museum news you should know, and some fun facts about famous museum heists. Let's go.

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Why we visit museums (and no, not for a heist)

Museums are more than places to look at things behind glass. They make history tangible, spark curiosity, and connect us with art in ways that big screens can't.

I know that not everyone loves museums as much as I do. However, there are so many different types of museums that even the most picky person can find something to enjoy. Trust me, there are museums for pretty much any topic or interest, making it super easy to find one.

These days, many museums also host workshops, community events and special exhibitions, making it easy for people of all ages to come together.

Here is some museum inspiration:

Famous museum heists in history

Surprisingly (or maybe not), there have been quite a few museum heists over the years, proving that the allure of priceless art and gems can be a strong motivator. Here are just a few that have made the headlines.

The Louvre, 1911 – The Mona Lisa

The recent theft at the Louvre wasn't the first. In 1911, the famous painting was stolen by an Italian handyman working at the Louvre. He simply hid in a broom closet overnight and walked out with her. She was recovered two years later in Florence after he tried to sell it to an art dealer.

American Museum of Natural History, 1964 - New York

The theft of 24 gems, including the Star of India, made headlines in 1964. The museum had lax security measures (like open windows and nonfunctional alarms) and the robbers only needed two days to plan the heist. They were eventually caught thanks to their lavish spending, which raised suspicions. Most, but not all, of the jewels were recovered.

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, 1990 – Boston

The biggest museum heist in history, measured by estimated value, involved 13 valuable artworks, including works by Vermeer and Rembrandt, worth an estimated $500 million, that were stolen by two men disguised as police officers and remain unrecovered. This event is considered the largest property crime in U.S. history and the world's most significant unsolved art theft. 

Van Gogh Museum, 2002 – Amsterdam

Two thieves stole two early Van Gogh paintings in a quick, sophisticated operation involving ladders, sledgehammers and a rope-assisted escape. The perpetrators were caught and sentenced, but the artworks themselves remained missing for 14 years until their recovery in Italy in 2016. Unfortunately, they showed damage from the experience. 

Latest museum news

Here are the latest developments in the museum world that deserve your attention, especially if you plan on visiting these destinations.

  • New museum in Egypt: The long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza has officially opened. Here, you can find over 50,000 artifacts, including the full collection of Tutankhamun's treasures. Read more

  • Renovation closure in Paris: The Centre Pompidou officially closed last month for a major renovation. The reopening is planned for 2030. If you've been planning a visit, you'll have to wait for a few years. Luckily, there are many other museums in Paris to explore.

  • Restoration in the Vatican: The Sistine Chapel's famous fresco by Michelangelo, The Last Judgement, is set for a major restoration beginning January 2026. The chapel will remain open, though scaffolding will be visible. Read more

     

Museums hold stories. Some grand, some quiet, some straight out of a thriller. Whether you're drawn by art, history or simply the thrill of discovery (not the thrill of a heist), there's always something to explore.

Next month: more travel tips, more museum magic, and fresh inspiration for your journeys.

Kasia