The world-renowned Louvre Museum has officially reopened its doors to the public three days after a spectacular daylight robbery saw priceless French crown jewels, valued at an estimated 88 million euros, stolen. Thieves made off with the treasures on scooters in a brazen heist that took less than eight minutes to execute.
Visitors were welcomed back to the museum starting Wednesday morning, though the Gallery of Apollo, the site of the theft, remains cordoned off. The audacious crime, which involved thieves using power tools to break into display cases, has sent shockwaves through France, with President Emmanuel Macron condemning it as an attack on national heritage.
An initial report following the incident revealed significant security lapses, noting that one-third of the museum’s rooms lacked CCTV coverage and that the main alarm system failed to trigger. In response to the security breach, cultural institutions across France are reinforcing their protective measures.
The Louvre’s director, Laurence des Cars, is scheduled to address the French Senate’s culture committee later today to discuss the implications of the robbery and the museum’s security protocols.
Investigators are actively pursuing leads to apprehend the culprits. The stolen items include a diamond and emerald necklace gifted by Emperor Napoleon to his wife, a tiara once worn by Empress Eugénie, and several pieces belonging to Queen Marie-Amélie. A damaged crown, also believed to have belonged to Empress Eugénie, was reportedly found discarded along the thieves’ escape route.