Louvre Closes Amid Sensational Art Heist
France’s Louvre Museum, one of the world’s premier cultural institutions, was the victim of a theft earlier today. French Culture Minister Rachida Dati confirmed the robbery via social media, assuring the public of safety, stating, “No injuries to report.”
Louvre Robbery Details
The incident occurred shortly after the Louvre opened its doors for the day. Reports indicate that three masked assailants used an external lift designated for renovation work to access the museum’s Apollo Gallery, an area housing some of France’s crown jewels.
- The thieves broke windows to gain entry.
- They stole nine pieces of valuable jewelry.
- The culprits escaped on a motor scooter.
Emergency Responses
The museum has announced a closure for the day due to the circumstances surrounding the robbery. Thousands of tourists found themselves disappointed, as the Louvre is one of Paris’s top attractions.
One visitor, identified as Tom, shared compelling footage on X, capturing the moment when security personnel and visitors were locked inside the museum. “Security and members of the public locked inside the Louvre after its robbery today,” he reported.
Impact on Visitors and Investigations
The Louvre, located along the banks of the Seine River, attracts about 9 million visitors annually, making it the most visited museum globally. The presence of priceless artworks, including Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo statue, underscores the significance of this institution.
French authorities are actively investigating the robbery, aiming to recover the stolen items and bring the perpetrators to justice. More updates are expected as the situation develops.
