Louvre closed after Paris jewel heist

New Delhi, Oct 19: The world-renowned Louvre Museum in Paris has been closed following a daring robbery on Sunday morning, France’s Culture Minister Rachida Dati confirmed. According to French media reports, three masked men broke into the museum shortly after it opened to the public. The intruders allegedly used an external lift installed for ongoing renovation work to reach the Apollo Gallery — a grand hall overlooking the River Seine that houses what remains of France’s historic crown jewels.

The thieves reportedly smashed windows to enter the gallery and made off with nine pieces of jewellery before escaping on a motor scooter.

The total value of the stolen items is yet to be determined. No injuries were reported in the incident, and police forensic teams are currently investigating at the scene. Minister Dati did not specify what may have been taken, while the Louvre announced on social media that it would remain closed for the rest of the day due to “exceptional reasons.”

The heist has sparked concerns over security at one of the world’s most visited museums, which draws millions of tourists each year to view masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.