Louvre Closed After Jewelry Theft by Masked Thieves

A robbery at the Louvre Museum in Paris on Sunday morning forced an immediate evacuation and closure for the day, French Culture Minister Rachida Dati confirmed. Dati and museum officials said there were no injuries and that police and investigators were on site as inquiries continue. French media and eyewitnesses reported chaotic scenes as thousands of visitors were evacuated and the main courtyard emptied. Early reports say three masked thieves accessed the Apollo Gallery via an exterior lift used for renovations, stole around nine pieces of jewellery and fled on a moped, though authorities have not officially confirmed the exact items taken. Museum officials have also indicated that none of the Louvre’s major paintings or sculptures appear to have been removed and investigations are ongoing.