The Musée du Hiéron in Paray-le-Monial, known for its exceptional collection of sacred art, was the target of an incredibly audacious robbery on Thursday, November 21. Four armed individuals targeted the centerpiece of the museum, “Via Vitae”, a precious work by Parisian goldsmith Joseph Chaumet, estimated at between 4 and 7 million euros.
The heist was carried out with almost military precision. Arriving on motorbikes, three of the robbers entered the museum wearing helmets, while an accomplice remained outside as a scout. After firing shots to sow panic, they sawed down the protections of the work before fleeing by throwing nails on the road, preventing the pursuit of the gendarmes. Around twenty visitors present in the establishment were evacuated, some finding refuge in neighboring homes. The “Épervier plan” was deployed to try to intercept the criminals
Created in 1904, “Via Vitae” is a unique piece combining gold, ivory, emeralds and marble. This masterful work, almost three meters high, retraces the life of Jesus through one hundred and thirty-eight finely sculpted statuettes and ornaments of rare virtuosity. Classified as a national treasure by the Ministry of Culture, it is a masterpiece of French goldsmithing, recognized as much for its material wealth as for its spiritual and artistic value.
During the robbery, the criminals dismantled this monumental piece by sawing off the armored windows and part of its marble base. The gold and ivory statuettes, as well as the emerald decorations, were taken away, leaving the work mutilated. “It is an act of vandalism as cruel as it is irreparable,” declared Mayor Jean-Marc Nesme, expressing his indignation at this vandalism.
The Minister of Culture, Rachida Dati, condemned this robbery, emphasizing the seriousness of this act which “harms our national heritage”. The Mâcon public prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation into armed theft by an organized gang, while experts are evaluating the means of finding the stolen parts. However, their recovery appears complex.
Founded in 1876, the Musée du Hiéron is one of the oldest museums of sacred art in France. Located in Paray-le-Monial, Burgundy, it houses a unique collection that explores two millennia of religious and artistic history. Among its treasures, we find liturgical objects, precious reliquaries and works illustrating Christian heritage, including “Via Vitae”, which constituted its jewel. The museum has already been the victim of a burglary in 2017 and an attempt in 2022, highlighting the recurring challenges of securing these places.
The Hieron museum in Paray-le-Monial.
