Louvre Museum Robbed by Masked Thieves Using Chainsaws, Jewels Stolen, Museum Closes

On Sunday, the Louvre Museum in Paris was the target of a major robbery where masked thieves used a cherry picker and small chainsaws to break into the Apollo Gallery, home to part of the French Crown Jewels, stealing priceless historic jewellery. The robbers exploited ongoing construction work, gaining access through the Seine-facing façade and a freight lift, executing the heist in under ten minutes before escaping on motorbikes and scooters. French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez and Culture Minister Rachida Dati confirmed the theft involved items of inestimable heritage and historical value, with no injuries reported. The museum was subsequently closed for the day due to these exceptional circumstances, and police launched an investigation into the incident. The Louvre, known for its vast collection including the Mona Lisa and other European masterpieces, has a history of thefts, making this latest event a significant security concern. Authorities are compiling a detailed list of stolen items as the investigation continues.