A daylight robbery took place at the world-famous Louvre Museum in Paris on Sunday, prompting the immediate closure of the museum.
France’s Culture Minister Rachida Dati confirmed the incident in a post on social media. She said the robbery occurred on Sunday morning, just as the museum opened. The minister also stated that she was at the scene and that police had launched an investigation.
In an official statement, the Louvre authorities announced that the museum would remain closed for the day “for special reasons,” without providing further details.
France’s Interior Minister Laurent Nunez described the stolen jewelry from the Louvre as “priceless.”
According to reports from French media, three masked individuals used a service elevator—currently under renovation—to enter the Apollo Gallery, which houses the remaining jewels of the French Crown. The gallery is located near the River Seine. The robbers reportedly broke in through a window and later escaped on motor scooters. The total value of the stolen items has not yet been determined.
The Louvre Museum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the world and is home to Leonardo da Vinci’s famous painting Mona Lisa.