Violent robbery at the Cognacq-Jay museum

Dedicated to 18th century art, the magnificent – ​​and too little-known – Cognacq-Jay museum, rue Elzévir, not far from the Picasso museum, was the scene of a robbery of great violence, Wednesday, November 20, 2024.

At 10:25 a.m., four hooded men armed with baseball bats and axes burst into the museum while visitors and officers were present. The criminals smashed display cases and stole seven valuable objects before fleeing on a scooter. Investigators are leaning toward a robbery on commission.

The artifacts, set with precious stones, were exhibited as part of the "Pocket Luxury" exhibition, which was due to end on September 29. Its success led its management to extend it until the end of November...

The exhibition, which included objects from the collection of Ernest Cognacq and Marie-Louise Jaÿ, had benefited from loans from the Louvre. The museum deplores the theft of two snuff boxes dating from the 1763th century, signed Johann Christian Neuber (circa 1770-1760) and Daniel Baudesson (1770-XNUMX).

Also stolen were two works from the English royal collections and one from the Gilbert Collection at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

The damage is estimated at approximately 1 million euros. No injuries were reported. An investigation into armed robbery by an organized gang has been opened by the Paris prosecutor's office.

The museum was immediately closed and a psychological unit was set up for the officers and visitors present during the robbery. This daytime burglary is part of a series of similar incidents, including another theft at the Hiéron Museum in Paray-le-Monial (Saône-et-Loire) the following day, November 21.

In the Marais, the Cognacq-Jay museum is one of the favorites of the Marais Mood. This little marvel of French heritage is in principle not to be missed under any circumstances for lovers of classical art. No excuses are allowed because, like all museums managed by the City of Paris, entry is free!

Housed in a private mansion in perfect condition, this “mini-Louvre” is entirely dedicated to the 18th century with several masterpieces by Rembrandt, Canaletto, Greuze, Vigée Le Brun, Quentin de la Tour, Watteau, Fragonard, etc. It is based on the collection bequeathed by the founders of La Samaritaine, Ernest Cognacq and Marie-Louise Jaÿ.