Louvre Museum Closes After Theft of Napoleon's Jewellery in Paris

On Sunday, the Louvre Museum in Paris was closed following a theft involving the robbery of nine pieces from Napoleon and the Empress's jewellery collection, including a necklace, a brooch, and a tiara, though the largest diamond, the Regent, was not taken. The suspects reportedly gained entry through a Seine-facing facade under construction and used a freight elevator to access the Apollo Gallery, where the jewellery was displayed. France's Culture Minister Rachida Dati confirmed the incident, stating no injuries occurred and that investigations are ongoing, with her presence on-site alongside police and museum staff. Reports indicated the thieves were well-informed, exploiting a period when the museum's alarm and video surveillance systems were out of service due to a recent cyberattack. This brazen heist highlights ongoing security challenges faced by the Louvre, which houses over 33,000 works including world-famous pieces like the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. The theft adds to a series of recent art and valuable item thefts in France, raising concerns about the protection of cultural heritage.