Louvre Museum Reopens After Jaw-Dropping €88 Million Jewel Heist

The Louvre Museum in Paris has reopened its doors just three days after a sensational jewel heist that saw thieves make off with items valued at €88 million (approximately $102 million) in a brazen daylight robbery. The world’s most-visited museum welcomed back visitors at 09:00 local time (07:00 GMT) on Wednesday, but notably, the Apollo Gallery—where the heist occurred—remains closed. This high-stakes theft unfolded early Sunday morning when thieves armed with power tools executed their plan in under eight minutes. Using scooters for a quick getaway, the criminals managed to dismantle display cases before vanishing without a trace. Authorities are still on the hunt for the culprits. In response to the robbery, French President Emmanuel Macron has called on ministers to expedite the implementation of enhanced security measures at the museum. According to a government spokeswoman, immediate steps are being taken to address the security deficiencies uncovered by the incident. Laurence des Cars, the museum’s director, expressed her deep concern during a session with the French Senate’s culture committee. She admitted, "We failed to protect these jewels," and underscored the structural security challenges that the Louvre faces. She proposed possibly closing sections of the museum for refurbishment to bolster its security. "Museums are not and never will be fortresses; they are inherently open," she stated in her first public comments following the incident. Macron has described the robbery as an attack on the nation's cultural heritage. A preliminary report has revealed that one in three rooms in the Louvre lacked CCTV coverage, and alarms designed to protect the museum’s treasures failed to activate during the heist. As a direct result, security precautions at cultural sites across France are being revisited. Senator Nathalie Goulet told the BBC that the gallery's alarm system was reported to be malfunctioning, leaving questions about whether it had even been deactivated during the heist. The Ministry of Culture has confirmed that the museum's overarching security system did trigger, and staff promptly contacted law enforcement while prioritizing visitor safety. After the heist, the museum closed its doors to the public, informing pre-booked visitors of cancellations and offering refunds. Benjamin Carbajal, a visitor from Peru, expressed disappointment over his cancelled ticket but acknowledged the seriousness of the incident, adding, "The museum has taken the necessary measures." In the aftermath of the theft, an extensive investigation is actively pursuing leads to apprehend the thieves. The stolen items include the illustrious Marie-Louise necklace, a pearl-studded tiara once worn by Empress Eugenie (wife of Napoleon III), as well as several pieces believed to have been owned by Queen Marie-Amélie. Initial findings from investigators indicated that a damaged crown belonging to Empress Eugenie was discovered along the escape route of the thieves, suspected to have been dropped during their hasty retreat. French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez expressed confidence that the perpetrators would soon be apprehended. Prosecutors suggest that the robbers might have executed the heist under the directives of a criminal organization, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing investigation. As the Louvre works to bolster its defenses, the eyes of the world remain fixated on how France will respond to this shocking breach of security. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2