A dazzling exhibition of royal jewels is set to launch on Wednesday, amidst ongoing concerns in Paris following a daring heist of the Crown Jewels at the Louvre.
This robbery, which took place in just four minutes last October, resulted in the emptying of the Apollo Museum’s display case, leading to its closure and raising doubts about cultural safety in France.
While the area around the looted gallery remains off-limits, another nearby museum showcases diamonds and tiaras that have withstood historical upheavals—looting that now eerily parallels the current fate of the Louvre’s treasures.
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The “Jewels of Kings” exhibition at the Hôtel de la Marine—historically the site of the Crown Jewels theft in 1792—opens at a moment when the nation is particularly attentive to issues of security.
Spanning four galleries, the exhibition features over 100 captivating works from esteemed collectors, including the Al Thani Collection and the Victoria and Albert Museum, as well as contributions from notable figures like Charles III, the Duke of Fife, Cartier, Chaumet, and France’s own national collections.
Among the more remarkable pieces on loan is the enormous 57-carat Star of Golconda diamond. Moreover, the sapphire coronet and emerald tiara designed by Prince Albert for Queen Victoria are coming together for the first time in more than a century and a half. Also on display are the diamond-encrusted dress ornaments of Catherine the Great, alongside Cartier necklaces crafted for Indian royals, melding European designs with traditional jewelry styles.
Security front and center
The exhibition’s curator hasn’t shared specifics about security arrangements. However, the Hôtel de la Marine emphasizes that it will be upgraded with contemporary, high-security features upon its reopening in 2021, with the gallery designed with thorough protection in mind. The museum has not confirmed whether any additional measures were implemented following the Louvre theft.
Regardless, this new exhibition emerges as Paris enhances protection for its museums.
Recently, the Louvre’s director, Laurence de Caer, revealed plans for the installation of around 100 new surveillance cameras and improvements to their anti-intrusion systems. The first phase will launch shortly, with a complete network projected to be finished by the end of next year. The investigation into the Louvre robbery continues, yet none of the stolen items have been located.
Arthur Brand, an art detective based in Amsterdam, noted that such heists prompt institutions like the Hôtel de la Marine to be more vigilant.
“The authorities have definitely learned from the shortcomings seen at the Louvre,” he remarked. “Thieves are aware that the guards here mean business. They’ve learned their lesson. This exhibition is a positive step forward. Life goes on. We shouldn’t let the thieves win. Let’s showcase these incredible items!”
As the Apollo Gallery remains closed, the Hôtel de la Marine seems poised to attract jewelry enthusiasts, possibly turning a challenging situation into a surprising opportunity, appealing to those who now can’t visit the Louvre’s Crown Jewels exhibit.
power, honor, and anxiety
“We’re showcasing how remarkable jewels and objets d’art from the 18th, 19th, and 20th centuries reflect identity,” shared Amin Jaffer, director of the Al Thani Collection and one of the exhibition’s curators. “They signify power, prestige, and even passion.”
The meaning tied to such displays of wealth has shifted. For example, just recently in the UK, protesters at an anti-inequality demonstration aimed at the Crown display at the Tower of London, splashing custard and apples across the case.
The Louvre robbery has drawn attention to the provenance of these jewels. Museums face increasing pressure to be transparent about the origins of their collections and address the historical exploitation involved in acquiring their treasures.
Some locals feel it’s not the right time to celebrate jewelry, given the recent theft at the Louvre.
“To be honest, this feels poorly timed,” said Alexandre Benham, a gift shop manager in Paris. “People are still reeling from what happened at the Louvre, and now there’s another jewelry exhibition just around the corner. It seems too soon. We haven’t even absorbed the initial shock.”
A building with memories
Historically, the building now known as the Hôtel de la Marine was home to the crown jewels and royal collections before the Revolution. This exhibition connects deeply to that history. The irony is palpable, as the site’s 18th-century jewels suffered a similar fate back in 1792. This part of Paris has a long-standing history with such crimes.
Despite its serious ambiance, curators hope visitors will explore and appreciate the “affection, love, relationships, and gifts” woven into these items.
“Each piece in this exhibition tells a unique story,” Jaffer noted. “It has passed through many hands but continues to endure.”
