The Louvre in Paris has been closed following a heist described as one of the museum’s most dramatic break-ins ever.
On social media, the museum announced, “The Musée du Louvre will remain closed today for exceptional reasons.”
France’s Culture Minister, Rachida Dati, confirmed the robbery, stating: “I am on site alongside the museum teams and the police. Investigations under way.”
The Louvre is the most visited museum globally, housing invaluable artwork, jewelry, and archaeological treasures, including Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa.
According to the French newspaper Le Parisien, masked thieves gained entry from the side near the River Seine where construction is ongoing.
Allegedly, one thief acted as a lookout while two others entered the building.
No injuries were reported, but the BBC notes that the thieves used chainsaws to break windows and fled on scooters.
Social media videos depict tourists being evacuated from the museum, which typically attracts about 8.7 million visitors annually.
Preliminary reports suggest that among the stolen items were a necklace, a brooch, and a tiara from the Napoleon and French Sovereigns collection.
Le Parisien quoted police sources saying, “After breaking windows, two men entered, stealing nine pieces from Napoleon and the Empress’s jewelry collection – a necklace, a brooch, and more.”
The BBC also reports nine items were stolen, all presumably from the Apollo Gallery.
The items’ value remains unconfirmed.
The incident reportedly occurred within seven minutes, as French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez explained to France Inter radio on Sunday morning.
A crown belonging to Empress Eugénie was discovered damaged outside the museum.
Forbes states that the gallery’s most valuable piece, the 140-carat Regent diamond, remains untouched.
The Parisian Public Prosecutor’s Office has initiated an investigation into suspected “organized theft and criminal conspiracy to commit a crime.”
The Louvre has been the scene of theft before, notably in 1911 when the Mona Lisa was stolen by a former employee.
Vincenzo Peruggia hid overnight in a cupboard, then exited with the painting via a stairwell.
It remained missing for two years until Peruggia was caught by authorities.