Thieves targeted the Louvre early Sunday, breaking into one of the world’s most famous museums using a basket lift. They forced a window and smashed display cases, stealing gems valued at “inestimable” amounts, as France’s interior minister reported.
The Culture Minister, Rachida Dati, confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that the museum had to close for the day due to the robbery, but thankfully, no injuries were reported. The incident occurred around 9:30 a.m., and, according to the Interior Ministry, the thieves escaped on two scooters. A detailed investigation is underway to inventory the stolen items, which hold significant historical value.
Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez described the robbery as a “major operation” on France Inter, revealing that it took the thieves just seven minutes to execute their plan. They had apparently scouted the location beforehand. Reports suggest they entered through the Seine-facing side of the museum, taking advantage of construction work and using a freight elevator to access the Galerie d’Apollon.
In this gallery, known for showcasing the French Crown Jewels, the thieves reportedly stole nine pieces linked to Napoleon and Empress Eugénie. Remarkably, one of the stolen jewels was later found outside the museum, identified as part of Eugénie’s crown, though it was damaged.
The Louvre has a notorious history when it comes to thefts, the most famous being the 1911 robbery of the Mona Lisa. Vincenzo Peruggia, a former museum employee, snuck in at night and walked off with the painting hidden under his coat. This incident not only led to the painting’s recovery two years later but also catapulted the Mona Lisa to global fame.
Today, the Louvre houses over 33,000 works of art, from ancient artifacts to European masterpieces. It welcomes around 30,000 visitors daily, making it a hotbed for both art lovers and, unfortunately, those with ill intentions. The museum remains a symbol of culture, history, and treasure, drawing people from all corners of the globe.
This recent incident raises concerns about security in art institutions. According to a 2022 report by the Art Loss Register, around 10,000 art thefts were reported globally each year, highlighting the ongoing challenges museums face in protecting their collections. As cultural landmarks continue to attract attention, both positive and negative, discussions around security measures are becoming more urgent.
For more on art thefts and security measures, you can check out The Art Loss Register.
Source link
Theft, Crime, Mona Lisa, Laurent Nuez, Rachida Dati, Louvre Museum, France, General news, Lifestyle, Vincenzo Peruggia, Entertainment, World news, Empress Eugnie, Leonardo da Vinci