Shocking Heist at the Louvre: What Happened During the Museum's Closure?

The Louvre Museum Experiences a Bold Theft

Paris: A significant theft took place at the Louvre on Sunday, as confirmed by France's culture minister, prompting the museum to shut its doors for the day while investigations are conducted.

Rachida Dati announced on X, "A robbery occurred this morning at the Louvre Museum."

The museum stated it would remain closed for "exceptional reasons," without providing additional details regarding the incident. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

Dati, who was present at the scene, indicated that an investigation was in progress.

According to French daily Le Parisien, the thieves accessed the renowned museum, which is the most visited in the world, through the Seine-facing side where construction is ongoing. They reportedly utilized a freight elevator to reach the targeted area in the Apollo Gallery directly.

After breaking windows, they allegedly made off with "nine pieces from the jewelry collection of Napoleon and the Empress," as reported by Le Parisien.

The Louvre has a storied history of thefts and attempted robberies, the most notable being in 1911 when the Mona Lisa was stolen by Vincenzo Peruggia, a former employee who concealed himself in the museum and exited with the painting hidden under his coat. It was recovered two years later in Florence, an event that contributed to the painting's status as the world's most famous artwork.

In 1983, two pieces of Renaissance armor were taken from the Louvre and were only returned nearly four decades later. The museum's collection also reflects the legacy of Napoleonic-era looting, which continues to fuel discussions about restitution.

Housing over 33,000 works, the Louvre's collection includes antiquities, sculptures, and paintings from various cultures, including Mesopotamia, Egypt, and European masters. Its highlights feature the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace.

The Galerie d'Apollon, where the recent theft occurred, showcases a selection of the French Crown Jewels.