Louvre Museum closes after theft

In a shocking incident on Sunday, the Louvre Museum in Paris fell victim to a meticulously planned robbery, prompting its immediate closure. French Culture Minister Rachida Dati confirmed the theft on social media platform X, stating that the crime occurred during the museum’s opening hours. Authorities are currently investigating the heist, with no reports of injuries. According to French daily Le Parisien, the perpetrators entered the museum through its Seine-facing facade, where ongoing construction provided an opportunity for access. Using a freight elevator, they reportedly reached the Apollo Gallery, where they shattered windows and stole nine pieces from the historic jewellery collection of Napoleon and the Empress. The Apollo Gallery is renowned for its display of the French Crown Jewels, making the theft particularly significant. The Louvre, which attracts up to 30,000 visitors daily, has a storied history of thefts, including the infamous 1911 disappearance of the Mona Lisa. This latest incident underscores ongoing security challenges faced by the museum, which houses over 33,000 priceless works of art spanning ancient civilizations to European masterpieces.