A theft occurred at the Louvre Museum in Paris on Sunday morning, prompting an immediate closure as authorities launched an investigation. France’s Minister of Culture, Rachida Dati, confirmed the incident via social media, stating, “A robbery took place this morning at the opening of the Louvre Museum.” The museum announced its closure for “exceptional reasons,” but did not provide further details regarding the theft. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
According to reports from French daily Le Parisien, the perpetrators gained access to the museum through the Seine-facing facade, which is currently undergoing construction. They reportedly utilized a freight elevator to reach the targeted room in the Apollo Gallery. Once inside, they broke windows and absconded with nine pieces from the jewelry collection associated with Napoleon and the Empress.
The Louvre has a storied history of thefts and attempted robberies. The most notorious incident occurred in 1911, when the iconic Mona Lisa was stolen by Vincenzo Peruggia, a former employee who concealed himself within the museum overnight. The painting was recovered two years later in Florence, an event that ultimately contributed to the Mona Lisa becoming the world’s most famous artwork.
In 1983, two Renaissance-era pieces of armor were taken from the museum, only to be recovered nearly four decades later. The Louvre’s extensive collection also includes artifacts and artworks that reflect the legacy of Napoleonic-era looting, an issue that continues to fuel debates over restitution.
Home to more than 33,000 works, the Louvre Museum spans various eras, featuring pieces from Mesopotamia, Egypt, and classical antiquity, alongside European masterpieces. Among its star attractions are the Mona Lisa, the Venus de Milo, and the Winged Victory of Samothrace. The Apollo Gallery, where the recent theft occurred, displays a selection of the French Crown Jewels.
Typically, the museum welcomes up to 30,000 visitors daily, making it the most visited museum in the world. Authorities have not disclosed how long the museum will remain closed or the status of the investigation. The incident marks yet another chapter in the Louvre’s complex relationship with art theft, a topic that continues to resonate within both cultural and legal discussions.
