The Louvre, one of the world’s most famous museums, was forced to close its doors following a brazen theft of historic jewels. The daring heist took place in broad daylight, shocking both visitors and authorities. Thieves used a basket lift to access the museum’s facade, smashed display cases, and made off with priceless Napoleonic jewels. The incident, occurring just meters away from the iconic Mona Lisa, has prompted a reevaluation of security measures at cultural sites across France.
The Louvre’s staff swiftly evacuated visitors, refunding those who had pre-booked tickets. While details remain scarce, investigations are underway with evidence recovered from the scene. French officials, including Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin and Culture Minister Rachida Dati, have acknowledged security lapses and vowed to enhance protective measures at museums nationwide.
The organized robbery, lasting less than eight minutes in total, was executed with precision, indicating a well-planned operation. Despite the swift response of security officers, the thieves managed to escape with several valuable items. The heist targeted the Apollo Gallery, home to the Crown Diamonds, where rare artifacts connected to French royalty were stolen.
The stolen items include a sapphire diadem, emerald necklace, and other precious pieces linked to prominent historical figures. While one piece was recovered outside the museum, the rest remain missing. The Louvre, currently undergoing a major renovation project to accommodate its millions of annual visitors, has vowed to bolster security measures as part of its long-term redevelopment plan.