On Oct. 19, 2025, masked thieves carried out a broad daylight robbery at the famous Louvre art museum in Paris. They stole eight historic jewelry items.

The stolen items contained precious stones that were worth over a hundred million dollars, according to the New York Times. A truck-mounted ladder was used to get in, and the burglars were disguised as security. The Louvre had faced theft before, most famously when the Mona Lisa was stolen in 1911. It was recovered a few decades later and brought back to the museum, but the recent heist reignited concerns about security. The news of the heist had many reactions from Woodside High School art students, the majority being in disbelief. 

“My first reaction was: ‘That’s crazy, what?’” junior Olivia Estellita said. “I completely forgot that the Louvre was able to have such low security, especially in this day and age with all the new technology.”

Others were relieved that the stolen items weren’t paintings.

“My first reaction when I found out that it was jewels was thankful,” art teacher Julie Marten said. “Thankful that it wasn’t the paintings, because I love to be able to see so many of those paintings.”

For some, the heist raised ethical concerns about art theft in general.

“I don’t think [stealing art] can be justified,” junior Noa Pascal said. “People work really hard, so it’s not fair for people to just take that away.”

In the end, this event shows how fragile art and culture can be, and how quickly they can be lost.

“Take advantage of seeing art in museums while you can,” Marten said. “Take in the beauty of that art and its power, its impact on you, because it’s a precious opportunity to see it.”