The world-famous Louvre Museum in Paris suspended operations on Sunday after a dramatic daylight robbery shocked visitors and staff. France’s Culture Minister Rachida Dati confirmed the incident, saying no one was injured but several pieces of royal jewellery had been stolen.
In a post on X, the museum stated it was “closed for exceptional reasons,” while the minister added that she was personally present at the scene alongside police and museum officials as the investigation unfolded, reports BBC.
According to Le Parisien, the robbers wearing hoods entered the museum from the River Seine side, where renovation work is ongoing.
Smashing their way through glass panels, two of them stormed into the renowned Galerie d’Apollon, which houses France’s Crown Jewels, including priceless ornaments linked to Napoleon and the Empress Joséphine.
Within minutes, the thieves snatched nine pieces of jewellery – a necklace, brooch, tiara, and several other ornaments before escaping. A third accomplice reportedly waited outside to help with the getaway.
Le Monde reported that the heist occurred between 9:30am and 9:40am, with the culprits arriving on scooters and using a freight lift to reach the targeted gallery. Police sources said the robbers were armed with small chainsaws to cut through security glass.
Witnesses shared alarming videos on social media showing chaos inside the museum. One user described “people running in panic” as police tried to enter through the Louvre’s glass doors, which had been locked from inside.
This is not the first time the historic museum – home to more than 33,000 masterpiece has been the target of thieves.
The most famous case dates back to 1911, when Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa was stolen by a museum worker and recovered two years later in Florence, making it the most recognizable artwork in the world.
Another major theft took place in 1983, when two Renaissance-era armours vanished and were recovered nearly forty years later.
The Louvre, one of France’s most visited landmarks, draws up to 30,000 people daily. Its star attractions include Venus de Milo, Winged Victory of Samothrace, and the Mona Lisa paintings and sculptures that have long symbolized the artistic and cultural grandeur of France.
Police have launched a full-scale investigation, while security at the museum and surrounding areas has been tightened.
