Paris (AFP / Correspondent): The world-famous Louvre Museum in Paris was forced to shut its doors on Sunday morning after a major jewelry theft, officials confirmed. According to initial reports, the thieves outsmarted the museum’s high-tech security system and made off with several valuable ornaments from one of its celebrated galleries.
French Culture Minister Rachida Dati confirmed the incident, stating that “an investigation is underway,” and that all necessary security measures have been reinforced.
Heist During Opening Hours
In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Minister Dati revealed that the robbery occurred “at the time of the museum’s opening this morning.”
Shortly after the news broke, videos surfaced showing long queues of visitors being escorted out of the museum, while others captured heavily armed security personnel stationed around the building.
FCRF Launches CCLP Program to Train India’s Next Generation of Cyber Law Practitioners
Thieves Escaped With Priceless Jewelry
According to the AFP news agency, an official said that the robbers fled the scene with the stolen jewelry, prompting a full-scale investigation by Paris police.
Preliminary findings suggest the culprits targeted a specific gallery known for its rare and historical ornaments. The Louvre immediately began evacuating visitors and sealed all entry points as the scale of the theft became clear.
Louvre Closed Under “Special Circumstances”
In a brief statement, the Louvre administration confirmed that the museum would remain closed “due to special circumstances” but did not release further details about the theft.
French authorities have deployed forensic experts and a special investigation unit to examine the crime scene and review surveillance footage from inside and around the museum.
Home to the World’s Greatest Artworks
Officially known as the Musée du Louvre, the museum is considered the largest and most visited art institution in the world.
It houses over 500,000 artifacts, including masterpieces such as Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa,” “The Wedding Feast at Cana,” and “The Virgin and Child with Saint Anne.”
Key Details
- Location: Louvre Museum, Paris
- Incident Time: Sunday morning, during opening hours
- Stolen Items: Valuable jewelry and ornaments
- Suspects: Unknown; investigation ongoing
- Action Taken: Museum closed; enhanced police presence
- Investigating Agency: French National Police and Ministry of Culture
Experts Question Museum’s Security Systems
Security and cultural experts have expressed concern that the heist could point to serious vulnerabilities in the museum’s surveillance and protection systems.
Given the Louvre’s reputation as one of the most secure art institutions in the world, the incident has sparked nationwide debate over the adequacy of security at France’s cultural landmarks.
