In a shocking incident that unfolded on Sunday morning, thieves executed a brazen daylight robbery at the Louvre Museum in Paris, making off with jewelry of “incalculable” value, as stated by France’s interior minister, Laurent Nuñez. The heist occurred around 9:30 a.m., leaving the art community and visitors in disbelief.
According to Mr. Nuñez, the thieves utilized a lift mechanism on a truck to gain access to the museum's first-floor wing, the Galerie d’Apollon, which houses a collection that includes the French crown jewels. They breached a window using an angle grinder, shattered two display cases, and successfully fled the scene on motor scooters with their loot, all within a mere seven minutes.
While the interior minister did not disclose the specific items stolen, he emphasized that the jewelry held both “patrimonial” and “historical” significance, rendering it “priceless.” Furthermore, Rachida Dati, the French culture minister, confirmed that there were no injuries reported during the incident and that police were promptly dispatched to the scene.
The Louvre Museum released a statement indicating that it would remain closed on Sunday as a precautionary measure to preserve traces and clues pertinent to the ongoing investigation. Mr. Nuñez reported that investigators were meticulously examining evidence left behind by the thieves, including various objects and security camera footage.
The Paris prosecutor’s office has officially opened an investigation into the robbery, with officials currently assessing the extent of the losses incurred during this audacious crime.
Home to over 33,000 works of art, the Louvre Museum boasts a plethora of iconic pieces, including Leonardo da Vinci’s renowned Mona Lisa. The museum attracts up to 30,000 visitors daily, making it one of the most visited art institutions globally. However, it has not been immune to theft.
The Louvre has witnessed several high-profile heists throughout its history. Notably, in the summer of 1911, museum employee Vincenzo Peruggia stole the Mona Lisa, only to be apprehended two years later while attempting to sell the painting in Italy. The artwork was eventually returned to the museum.
Another infamous theft occurred in 1976 when three burglars broke into the Louvre at dawn and absconded with a 19th-century diamond-studded sword that belonged to King Charles X of France. Using scaffolding, they smashed windows on the second floor to gain entry.
In 1990, a painting by Pierre Auguste Renoir, titled "Portrait of a Seated Woman," was cut from its frame and stolen from a third-floor gallery. This recent robbery is part of a troubling trend of increasing thefts targeting rare coins and jewels in museums across Europe.
In light of recent events, Mr. Nuñez mentioned that security at the Louvre Museum had been strengthened in recent years and would see further enhancements following this incident. “But we can’t prevent everything,” he remarked during an interview with France Inter, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by museum security.
This latest robbery serves as a reminder of the vulnerabilities that even the most famous art institutions can face. As the investigation progresses, the art world holds its breath, hoping for the recovery of the stolen treasures.
Reporting contributions from Jenny Gross and Alex Marshall in London assisted in covering this unfolding story.
