Lalique museum in Alsace burgled: 20 jewels stolen, damage estimated at a few million euros
The Lalique glass museum in Wingen-sur-Moder, Alsace, was burgled early Sunday. Around 20 pieces of jewelry were stolen, with initial estimates putting the damage at a few million euros.
The burglary
The Lalique glass museum in Wingen-sur-Moder, Alsace, was burgled in the early hours of Sunday, July 5. The break-in occurred around 6 a.m., with the thieves breaking six display cases in the collections room. A cleaning employee discovered the damage around 6:30 a.m. and alerted authorities.
Around 20 pieces of jewelry were stolen. A source close to the investigation told Mediapart that the loss is estimated at "a few million" euros, though the museum has stated the full extent is still being assessed. The exact nature of the stolen items remains to be determined, and an inventory is underway.
- Burglary occurs, six display cases broken, around 20 jewels stolen.
- Cleaning employee discovers the break-in and alerts authorities.
- Museum announces burglary on social media, gendarmerie investigation begins, museum closed until further notice.
Investigation and response
The gendarmerie from Bouxwiller responded to the scene, supported by the Saverne research brigade and criminal identification technicians from Strasbourg. They are collecting fingerprints and other evidence. The museum announced on X that it would remain closed "in the coming days" to allow for a secure reopening, though later reports indicated closure until further notice.
Reaction
Franck Leroy, president of the Grand Est region, condemned the burglary on Facebook.
It is an unacceptable attack on our heritage. An emblematic place of our history, our know-how and our culture has been struck.
The museum
Inaugurated in 2011, the Lalique museum is dedicated to the master glassmaker René Lalique and his successors. Its collection includes exceptional jewelry, historic perfume bottles, original drawings, and major works in glass and crystal, alongside loans from private collectors and institutions. The museum is a key cultural site in the Bas-Rhin department, drawing visitors to its displays of Alsatian craftsmanship.
