The Louvre, one of the world’s top tourist attractions, remained closed on Monday following a daring daylight heist that saw historic jewels stolen from the iconic museum. The incident has sparked a security review at cultural sites throughout France.
Visitors who had lined up in front of the Louvre’s famous glass pyramid entrance were asked to leave as the museum dealt with the aftermath of the robbery. The Louvre announced that those who had purchased tickets would receive refunds but did not offer further details.
The thieves executed a meticulously planned operation on Sunday, using a basket lift to scale the museum’s facade and break into display cases holding priceless Napoleonic jewels. The theft took place just minutes after the museum opened, with visitors present, making it one of the most audacious museum thefts in recent memory.
The daring heist unfolded a mere 250 meters away from the iconic Mona Lisa painting, drawing attention to potential lapses in the museum’s security measures. French officials, including Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin and Culture Minister Rachida Dati, have acknowledged security shortcomings and have pledged to bolster protection at cultural institutions nationwide.
Security camera footage captured motorcycles and license plates left behind by the perpetrators at the scene, offering crucial leads for investigators. Culture Minister Dati commended security officers for thwarting attempts to set fire to the basket lift, which aided in securing valuable evidence.
The swift theft, lasting less than eight minutes in total, underscored the thieves’ precision and efficiency. Dati emphasized that ongoing security enhancements under the “Louvre New Renaissance” project aim to address vulnerabilities and ensure the safety of the museum’s priceless treasures and visitors.
The stolen items, including precious jewels associated with 19th-century French royalty, have significant historical and cultural value. While one stolen piece was recovered outside the museum, authorities are continuing their investigation to apprehend the culprits and retrieve the remaining stolen artifacts.