Louvre Museum in Paris shut after thieves escape with heritage jewellery

The Louvre Museum in Paris was closed on Sunday, October 19, after a robbery in which thieves stole jewellery described as having “inestimable heritage and historical value.”Earlier in the day, France’s Culture Minister Rachida Dati reported the incident on her social media account, without providing further details on what had been stolen. The Louvre said it was closing for the day “for exceptional reasons,” without elaborating.

“A robbery took place this morning at the opening of the Louvre Museum,” Dati wrote on X. “I am on site alongside museum staff and the police. Investigations are ongoing.”

A later statement cited by Reuters from France’s Interior Ministry said the robbers broke into the museum through a window and escaped on motorbikes after taking several pieces of jewellery. “The investigation has begun, and a detailed list of the stolen items is being compiled. Beyond their market value, these items have inestimable heritage and historical value,” the ministry said.No injuries were reported among museum staff, visitors, or police, according to the ministry.

The Louvre, one of the world’s most visited museums and a global symbol of French culture, houses iconic works including Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. Despite its tight security, it has faced rare breaches in the past — most notably in 1911, when the Mona Lisa was famously stolen before being recovered two years later.

The museum remains closed while police continue their investigation.