Specific details are yet to be released regarding the incident in Paris, France. The museum was due to open to the public this morning at 9am; however, the museum’s doors are shut this morning. The museum’s statement simply reads: “TheMusée du Louvre will remain closed today for exceptional reasons.”
France’s culture minister,Rachida Dati confirmed a robbery took place this morning at the opening of the Musée du Louvre. Dati was on site on Sunday morning alongside museum teams and the police, and investigations are currently underway. Dati also confirmed there are no reported injuries.
Shortly after midday, the museum has provided clarity on the situation, realsing the following statement:
“At around 9:30 a.m. today, several individuals broke into the Louvre Museum through a forced window in the Galerie d’Apollon, which had opened its doors to the public. They stole jewellery from display cases inside the museum and fled on motorcycles. An 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 ministers of culture and the interior are on site with the museum’s management.
“The BRB (DPJ PP) has been notified, and an investigation has been launched to determine the circumstances of the theft and identify the perpetrators. All possible measures are being taken to recover the stolen items.
“The museum management has decided to close the museum today as a security measure and to preserve evidence for the investigation, in conjunction with the police headquarters and the Ministry of the Interior. The evacuation of the public took place without incident.
“No injuries were reported among the public, Louvre staff, or law enforcement officers.”
The Louvre is perhaps best known for housing theMona Lisa, a half-length portrait painting by the Italian artistLeonardo da Vinci. This artwork was previously stolen in 1911, and with an insurance valuation value of approximately $1 billion USD is one of the most valuable paintings in the world.
Current special exhibitions include artworks from Jacques-Louis David, and Les 4 Temps (The four seasons), an installation byMohamed Bourouissa.
