Louvre Pranksters Outsmart Security With LEGO Frame
Imagine this: just weeks after one of the most audacious heists in recent history shook the Louvre Museum in Paris, two Belgian pranksters managed to pull off a stunt that left security experts scratching their heads. Neal Reemerie and Senne Haverbeke, social media stars known for their cheeky antics, sneaked their own artwork into the very same gallery that houses the Mona Lisa. Yes, you read that right — they hung a painting in the Louvre's Mona Lisa Gallery, exposing glaring security gaps in one of the world's most famous museums.
The Heist That Shook the Louvre
To understand why this prank matters so much, you need to rewind to October 19, 2025. The Louvre, a global symbol of French culture and home to masterpieces like the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, was rocked by a daring robbery. Four thieves, reportedly disguised as construction workers, used a cherry-picker (a mechanical lift) to reach the first-floor balcony of the Apollo Gallery, then climbed a ladder to enter the building. They cut through a window with a glass cutter and stole eight pieces of priceless French crown jewels in less than eight minutes, as reported by the Daily Star. The stolen items included a diadem once worn by the wife of Napoleon III, among other treasures described by French officials as "priceless" and of "immeasurable heritage value," as reported by Northeastern Global News. The thieves escaped on motorbikes or scooters.
According to BBC, four suspects have been arrested in connection with the heist. Despite these arrests, the stolen jewels remain missing, and the incident has cast a shadow over the Louvre's reputation for safeguarding its treasures.
Enter Neal and Senne: The Pranksters Who Outsmarted Security
Fast forward to mid-November 2025, barely a month after the jewel heist, when Neal Reemerie and Senne Haverbeke executed their audacious stunt. These two Belgian TikTokers are no strangers to bold pranks — they have previously sneaked into high-profile events and locations, including hiding in stadium toilets and crashing red carpets. But their Louvre escapade might be their most daring yet.
On November 14, 2025, the duo arrived at the Louvre about an hour before closing time. They reportedly carried a rolled-up canvas and a frame ingeniously constructed from LEGO bricks. This clever design allowed them to disassemble the frame and pass it through security scanners without raising suspicion. Once inside, they reassembled the frame and quickly hung their artwork in the same room as the Mona Lisa — though not on the famous painting's wall itself, due to the heavy guard presence.
Their painting was reportedly a portrait of themselves, styled to mimic the Mona Lisa's iconic look. After securing their artwork, Neal and Senne promptly exited the museum, avoiding any scene or confrontation. They later shared footage of the stunt on social media, where it quickly went viral, sparking both amusement and criticism about the museum's security.
Why This Matters: Security Gaps Exposed
You might be wondering: how could two pranksters pull off such a stunt in a museum that had just been the target of a high-profile robbery? The answer lies in the complex balance between preserving a historic site and ensuring tight security.
Experts have pointed out that the Louvre's status as a historic palace complicates security measures. The building itself is an artifact, so installing intrusive security technology is challenging. Moreover, during visiting hours, many high-tech security systems — like laser motion sensors — are turned off to allow visitors to move freely, creating vulnerabilities.
The prank by Neal and Senne highlights how even enhanced security measures can be circumvented with creativity and planning. Their use of a LEGO frame to bypass scanners and the timing of their entry just before closing time exploited gaps in the museum's protocols. This stunt has reignited debates about whether the Louvre and similar institutions are adequately prepared to protect their priceless collections and visitors.
The Public Reaction and Museum Response
The prank sparked a mix of reactions online. Some praised the duo's ingenuity and humor, while others expressed concern over the museum's security lapses. Comments ranged from admiration for the pranksters' boldness to calls for a serious overhaul of the Louvre's security systems.
The Louvre Museum has reportedly confirmed it is investigating the incident and considering filing a police complaint against Neal and Senne. Meanwhile, security has been reinforced since the jewel heist, but this latest stunt shows that challenges remain.
A Lesson in Museum Security and Public Engagement
This story is more than just a prank; it's a wake-up call for museums worldwide. Institutions that house valuable and historic items must constantly reassess their security measures, balancing the need to protect their collections with the desire to remain accessible and welcoming to the public.
Neal and Senne's stunt also raises questions about how museums can engage with visitors in innovative ways without compromising safety. While their prank was harmless and humorous, it underscores the importance of vigilance and adaptability in museum security.
The Human Side of the Story
Amid the intrigue, it's worth noting the human element behind the viral image of the "fedora man" — a local teenager who became an unexpected symbol of the Louvre heist's mystery. Pedro, a 15-year-old fan of Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot, was photographed near the museum during the heist and went viral, capturing the public's imagination. He was unaware of the heist at the time and was simply visiting the museum with family.
His story adds a layer of curiosity and charm to the unfolding drama at the Louvre, reminding us that behind every headline are real people with their own stories.
What's Next for the Louvre?
As the Louvre continues to recover from the jewel heist and now this security embarrassment, the pressure is on to tighten security without sacrificing the visitor experience. The museum's leadership, security experts, and the public will be watching closely to see how the institution adapts.
For Neal and Senne, their prank has cemented their place in the annals of museum mischief — a reminder that sometimes, the most unexpected players can expose the biggest vulnerabilities.
So next time you visit a museum, you might just look a little closer at the security — and wonder if there's a prankster lurking nearby, ready to turn the art world upside down.
References: Why the Louvre Robbery Will Rewrite Museum Security Protocols | Pranksters outsmart Louvre security by sneaking fake painting next to Mona Lisa - Daily Star | Another Louvre security blunder as pranksters hang up their own fake artwork near Mona Lisa just weeks after jewel heist | Louvre heist: 'Fedora man' in viral picture revealed as local teenager
