The Louvre Museum in Paris has closed its doors for the day following a reported robbery that targeted its renowned collection. According to France’s Culture Minister, Rachida Dati, a theft occurred early this morning, leading to a swift response from museum staff and law enforcement. Thankfully, no injuries were reported during the incident.
Initial reports suggest that “priceless jewelry” was stolen, although the total value of the items taken is still being assessed. The brazen robbery reportedly took only seven minutes, as outlined by Interior Minister Laurent Nunez. The thieves arrived on scooters equipped with small chainsaws and managed to access the museum’s restricted areas through a goods lift.
French daily Le Parisien detailed that the robbers gained entry via the under-construction facade facing the Seine River. They utilized a freight elevator to reach the Apollo Gallery, where they broke windows to access the jewelry collection. They allegedly stole nine pieces linked to Napoleon and the Empress.
Visuals from the scene depict barricades outside the museum, with visitors awaiting its reopening. Traffic around the Louvre has been controlled during this security operation. The iconic museum, famous for housing masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa, has experienced multiple thefts in its history, including the infamous heist of da Vinci’s masterpiece in 1911, when it was stolen by a former employee and later recovered.
As investigations are underway, the Louvre’s swift closure emphasizes the serious nature of the incident while highlighting the ongoing challenges of securing such a high-profile cultural institution. The museum’s commitment to safety ensures that this beloved landmark will continue to uphold its status as a primary destination for art enthusiasts around the world.