The Louvre Museum in Paris reopened its doors Wednesday morning, just three days after a brazen heist resulted in the theft of jewelry valued at a staggering €88 million. While visitors are once again welcomed to the world’s most-visited museum, the Apollo Gallery—site of the robbery—remains closed.
The robbery occurred early Sunday morning when four masked thieves broke in using power tools, taking just eight minutes to abscond with their ill-gotten gains on scooters. As investigations continue, the museum’s director, Laurence des Cars, is scheduled to address the French Senate’s culture committee regarding the incident.
This theft has raised serious questions about the adequacy of the Louvre’s security systems; preliminary reports indicate that a significant number of rooms in the museum lack CCTV coverage. President Emmanuel Macron described the incident as a direct attack on France’s cultural heritage, prompting a nationwide review of security protocols for cultural institutions.
The stolen items included historical pieces such as a diamond and emerald necklace once gifted to Napoleon’s wife, a tiara belonging to Empress Eugenie, and jewels previously owned by Queen Marie-Amelie. Investigators have discovered a damaged crown that belonged to Empress Eugenie, believed to have been dropped by the thieves during their escape.
Over the past few days, dozens of investigators have been working to apprehend the culprits, while the Louvre issued refunds to visitors who had booked admission during the museum's temporary closure. As visitors once again line up to admire world-renowned art, the spotlight remains on the adequacy of security measures at one of the world’s most iconic cultural institutions.
