Chainsaw-wielding robbers stormed the Louvre Museum in Paris on Sunday, stealing what France’s Interior Minister described as “priceless” jewellery. The heist also forced the world-famous institution to close
its doors for the day.
The robbery took place in broad daylight and lasted just seven minutes, according to Interior Minister Laurent Nunez. Speaking to French media outlets France Inter, France Info, and Le Monde, he said that “three or four” thieves targeted two displays in the museum’s renowned Galerie d’Apollon (Apollo’s Gallery).
The thieves reportedly arrived between 9:30 and 9:40am local time (0730 and 0740 GMT), according to a source familiar with the case told news agency AFP. They used small chainsaws and a goods lift to access a specific room within the museum. The exact value of the stolen items is still being assessed.
A separate police source said the robbers pulled up on a scooter before carrying out the heist, which caused no injuries.
Earlier, France’s Culture Minister Rachida Dati confirmed the break-in on social media platform X. “A robbery took place this morning at the opening of the Louvre Museum,” she wrote. “No injuries reported. I’m on site with museum staff and police.”
The Louvre also announced its closure for the day “for exceptional reasons” in a post on X.
The Louvre, once the royal palace of French kings before Louis XIV moved the court to Versailles, is considered one of the most iconic cultural institutions in the world. It welcomed nine million visitors last year, making it the most visited museum globally.
Police are continuing their investigation into the theft.
(With inputs from AFP)
