In an audacious daylight robbery that has stunned Paris and the global art community, three masked men broke into the Louvre Museum early this morning and escaped with nine items of jewellery, believed to include part of France’s historic crown jewels.
According to early reports from French media, the break-in occurred shortly after the museum opened to the public. The suspects reportedly gained access to the Apollo Gallery, an ornate hall overlooking the River Seine that houses what remains of the French crown jewels.
Investigators say the men used a goods lift to reach the gallery and were armed with small chainsaws, which they may have used to break display cases. Within minutes, the thieves gathered nine pieces of valuable jewellery before making a swift escape on a motor-scooter waiting outside.
Police are now working to determine the value of the stolen pieces, which could run into millions of euros.
Social media footage showed confusion both inside and outside the Louvre shortly after the robbery. Security teams quickly sealed the museum, locking down staff and visitors while police combed the building for evidence.
Photos shared online showed the museum’s grey iron gates closed and guards stationed at the entrances as police cordoned off the surrounding area.
French Culture Minister Rachida Dati confirmed the robbery around 15:15 local time, saying:
“No injuries to report. I am on site alongside the museum teams and the police. Investigations are under way.”
The Louvre later issued a statement on its official X account announcing it would remain “closed today for exceptional reasons.”
What we know so far
The robbery occurred this morning, shortly after the museum opened.
Three masked men used a service lift to reach the Apollo Gallery.
They carried small chainsaws and stole nine pieces of jewellery.
The thieves escaped on a scooter.
No injuries have been reported.
The museum remains closed as police investigate.
What remains unknown
Authorities have yet to release the estimated value or specific details of the stolen items. It also remains unclear whether the stolen pieces were part of France’s original crown jewels or more recent acquisitions.
The Louvre, the world’s most visited museum, has been under heightened security due to ongoing preparations for the Paris Olympic Opening Ceremony. The incident raises fresh concerns about museum security in one of the most heavily guarded cultural sites on the planet.
Police from the Brigade de Répression du Banditisme (the French anti-robbery unit) are leading the investigation, reviewing CCTV footage and interviewing staff.
As of this evening, the three suspects remain at large.
Source: BBC