Bring real-world intrigue into your art classroom with The Great Jewel Heist, a printable “breaking news” activity inspired by the recent Louvre Museum robbery in Paris. Students become art detectives as they read a short, age-appropriate article about the daring daylight theft and then respond to critical thinking questions that connect art, history, and ethics.
Perfect for middle school students, this no-prep resource fits easily into sub plans, art history units, or early-finisher extensions — all while reinforcing visual literacy and discussion skills.
Check out the matching video on our YouTube Channel!
1-page news article written in student-friendly language
1-page “Think Like an Art Detective” response sheet
Prompts for timeline, ethics, and curator perspective
Creative extension activity to design a “Wanted” poster for the missing jewels
Teacher notes, citations, and extension idea comparing the 2025 Louvre heist to the 1911 Mona Lisa theft
Bonus link to watch our companion video: Top 5 Most Famous Art Heists on YouTube
Encourages critical thinking about the value of art and cultural heritage
Builds cross-curricular ties between art, history, and current events
Works perfectly as a 15–25 minute lesson, sub plan, or Friday discussion piece
Format: PDF printable (2 pages & Teacher Notes)
Recommended Grade Levels: 5th–9th
No outside research or technology required
Created by Art Class Digest
Bring real-world intrigue into your art classroom with The Great Jewel Heist, a printable “breaking news” activity inspired by the recent Louvre Museum robbery in Paris. Students become art detectives as they read a short, age-appropriate article about the daring daylight theft and then respond to critical thinking questions that connect art, history, and ethics.
Perfect for middle school students, this no-prep resource fits easily into sub plans, art history units, or early-finisher extensions — all while reinforcing visual literacy and discussion skills.
Check out the matching video on our YouTube Channel!
1-page news article written in student-friendly language
1-page “Think Like an Art Detective” response sheet
Prompts for timeline, ethics, and curator perspective
Creative extension activity to design a “Wanted” poster for the missing jewels
Teacher notes, citations, and extension idea comparing the 2025 Louvre heist to the 1911 Mona Lisa theft
Bonus link to watch our companion video: Top 5 Most Famous Art Heists on YouTube
Encourages critical thinking about the value of art and cultural heritage
Builds cross-curricular ties between art, history, and current events
Works perfectly as a 15–25 minute lesson, sub plan, or Friday discussion piece
Format: PDF printable (2 pages & Teacher Notes)
Recommended Grade Levels: 5th–9th
No outside research or technology required
Created by Art Class Digest
