Jewelry Heist at the Louvre Museum

Authorities in France announced that thieves broke into the Louvre Museum in Paris, making off with valuable jewelry before escaping on motorbikes. Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez described the incident as a “massive robbery” that took about seven minutes. He noted that the thieves accessed the museum via a basket lift and used a disc cutter to break through glass displays housing the jewels.

The ministry confirmed that an investigation is underway, and a comprehensive list of stolen items is being prepared. These items are not only priceless but also hold significant historical and cultural value.

On social media, the museum stated it would remain closed for the day due to “exceptional reasons,” although no further details were immediately shared. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries.

According to local media, the thieves gained entry through a section of the museum still under construction along the Seine River. They reportedly used a cargo elevator to reach the Apollo Gallery, which contains some of France’s crown jewels.

The robbery reportedly included nine items from the jewelry collection of Napoleon and Empress Eugénie, among them a crown that was later found broken outside the museum. This detail adds a twist to the already dramatic story.

The Louvre houses over 33,000 works of art ranging from ancient artifacts to renowned masterpieces. Its collection features iconic pieces like the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo, making it a treasure trove of culture. This recent theft raises concerns about security in one of the world’s most famous art museums.