The world-renowned Louvre Museum in Paris was shut off on Sunday after thieves, reportedly wielding chainsaws, decamped with nine pieces of jewellery collection from the Napoleon-era. The robbers entered the museum from the river Seine side, and gained access to the room through a goods lift before fleeing in their bikes, according to local media.
French Culture Minister Rachida Dati confirmed the incident in a social media post, stating, “No injuries to report. I am on site alongside the museum teams and the police. Investigations underway.”
The French Interior Ministry said the stolen items “have inestimable heritage and historical value”.
“The investigation has begun, and a detailed list of the stolen items is being compiled. Beyond their market value, these items have inestimable heritage and historical value,” the ministry said in a statement.
The museum said on X it would remain closed for the day for “exceptional reasons”.
The Louvre is home to more than 33,000 works spanning antiquities, sculpture and painting, from Mesopotamia, Egypt and the classical world to European masters. Its star attractions include the Mona Lisa, as well as the Venus de Milo and the Winged Victory of Samothrace.
The museum can attract up to 30,000 visitors a day.
