The world-renowned Louvre Museum in Paris has been forced to close after a daring robbery saw thieves steal what is believed to be nine items of jewellery from the Apollo Gallery, where France’s crown jewels are displayed.
France’s culture minister Rachida Dati confirmed earlier that a robbery had taken place at the museum shortly after it opened on Sunday morning. She said there were no injuries, and police have launched an investigation.
“A robbery took place this morning at the opening of the Louvre Museum,” Dati wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “No injuries to report. I am on site alongside the museum teams and the police. Investigations are under way.”
According to French media reports, three masked men entered the Louvre using a goods lift to access the Apollo Gallery a richly decorated room overlooking the Seine River that houses what remains of France’s royal jewels.
Witnesses said the suspects were carrying small chainsaws, which were allegedly used to break display cases. The trio made off on a motor-scooter, escaping with nine pieces of jewellery whose total value is currently being assessed.
The Louvre said the museum would remain closed for the rest of the day “for exceptional reasons” as forensic teams and anti-theft investigators examined the scene.
What We Know So Far
- The incident occurred as the museum opened to visitors this morning.
- Three masked suspects accessed the Apollo Gallery using a goods lift.
- Nine pieces of jewellery were stolen before the suspects fled on a scooter.
- Police and forensic teams are investigating; no injuries were reported.
- The museum is closed for the day as inquiries continue.
What We Don’t Yet Know
- The exact value of the stolen items is still being calculated.
- The identities of the suspects are unknown.
- It remains unclear how they gained access to restricted museum areas or avoided early detection.
France’s Culture Ministry said security footage is being reviewed and that reinforcements will be deployed to protect other national museums.
The Louvre, home to masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, has some of the strictest security measures of any museum in the world. However, this incident marks one of the most audacious heists in recent French history.