Masked thieves raid Louvre Museum in broad daylight

This morning, the world’s largest museum became the scene of an armed heist. Three masked men used a freight elevator and small electric saws to enter the “Apollo Gallery,” where part of France’s royal jewelry collection is kept.

France’s Ministry of the Interior reported that the robbery occurred around 9:30 a.m. local time and lasted only seven minutes. The thieves broke a window to access the upper floor via the elevator, smashed display cases, and stole nine pieces of jewelry before fleeing the scene on a motorcycle.

Laurent Nunez, France’s Interior Minister, stated: “The financial value of the stolen data-x-items is not yet determined, but their historical and cultural value is incalculable.”

The Paris Prosecutor’s Office has opened an investigation into the “organized theft,” and a special unit combating cultural property trafficking is working with police.

French Culture Minister Rashida Datti wrote on social media: “No one was injured, and I am on-site with police teams and museum staff. Investigations are ongoing.”

Images from the scene show a large freight elevator against the museum’s southern wall, with its ladder extending to the upper balcony. Police suspect the thieves may have used this route to enter the gallery.

The Louvre announced that it would remain closed for the day due to the incident. Tourists at the site reported that the museum doors were locked, leaving crowds waiting behind barriers.

Built in the 16th century as a royal palace and now home to over 35,000 artworks, including the Mona Lisa, the Louvre receives about 30,000 visitors daily.

French police continue to examine evidence and track the thieves. Authorities emphasized that the stolen data-x-items are irreplaceable pieces of France’s cultural heritage.

According to Le Parisien, one of the stolen jewels has been recovered outside the museum — believed to be a possibly broken crown belonging to Napoleon’s wife.