The National Museum of Natural History in Paris was the scene of a dramatic break-in early Tuesday morning, resulting in the theft of several specimens valued at approximately €600,000 ($711,000). Known for its extensive collection, which includes iconic dinosaur skeletons and taxidermy exhibits, as well as significant geology and mineralogy displays, the museum has now suffered a significant loss to its heritage.
According to initial reports, the intruders breached the museum’s security using an angle grinder and a blowtorch. The targeted theft involved valuable specimens from the museum’s collection, specifically several pieces of native gold. The museum’s press office confirmed to Agence France-Presse that, while the stolen materials are appraised at about €600,000 based on raw gold prices, their cultural significance far exceeds their monetary value.
Among the notable items reported stolen is a native gold and quartz sample measuring between 3.3 to 3.5 inches. Native gold, an alloy of unrefined gold and silver, is prized for both its beauty and rarity. The precise circumstances surrounding the theft raise concerns regarding the museum’s security measures; it remains uncertain whether the alarm and surveillance systems were operational at the time, particularly after a cyberattack had disabled them in July.
Investigators believe the thieves displayed a level of expertise consistent with individuals who have conducted similar high-profile heists in the past. Their choice of tools and the focused nature of the theft imply a professional operation aimed specifically at high-value items. To date, no suspects have been arrested or charged in connection with the burglary.
In the aftermath of the theft, the museum has temporarily closed its mineralogy gallery to conduct a thorough examination of its remaining collection and review security protocols. This incident has heightened awareness of museum security, especially in light of another recent theft in which four gold artifacts were taken from the Drents Museum in Assen, Netherlands, that were on loan from the National History Museum of Romania.
