Louvre Museum in Paris Shuts Down Temporarily After Theft of Priceless Jewelry
The Louvre Museum in Paris has temporarily closed following an audacious theft that occurred on Sunday morning. This incident involved the robbery of priceless jewelry from the museum’s Apollo Room, as confirmed by French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez.
Details of the Jewelry Theft
Nuñez reported that the robbery took place at approximately 9:30 a.m. local time. A group of three or four thieves gained entry by utilizing an external freight elevator accessible from a truck parked nearby. They forced open a window using an angle grinder, allowing them swift access to the valuables housed within the Apollo Room.
Stolen Items and Estimated Value
The Apollo Room is home to the cherished French Crown Jewels and the extraordinary hardstone vessel collection once owned by Louis XIV. Minister Nuñez described the stolen jewelry as having both sentimental and priceless value. A comprehensive list of the stolen items is being compiled by authorities for further investigation.
Robbery Tactics and Investigation
- The thieves executed the robbery in just seven minutes.
- They made their escape on motorcycles, indicating premeditated planning.
- Authorities believe that the suspects had been scouting the museum prior to the heist.
Minister Nuñez expressed confidence in finding the perpetrators quickly and recovering the stolen goods. He remarked on the professionalism displayed by the robbers, highlighting their swift execution of the crime.
Impact on the Louvre Museum
As a result of the theft, the Louvre stated it would remain closed “due to exceptional reasons.” The museum, which welcomed 8.7 million visitors last year, is a global attraction, with 13% of guests coming from the United States.
Minister of Culture Rachida Dati confirmed that no injuries were reported during the incident. She assured the public that museum staff and police are collaborating closely as investigations are ongoing.
Authorities will continue to provide updates on this developing story as more information becomes available.
