Louvre Museum Remains Closed After High-Profile Napoleonic Jewel Heist

The Louvre Museum in Paris remained closed for a second day following a daring daylight heist during which thieves stole priceless Napoleonic jewels. The theft occurred just 30 minutes after the museum opened, with robbers using a basket lift to access the facade, force a window, and smash display cases before fleeing on scooters. Security shortcomings, such as unsecured windows and the presence of a basket lift on a public road, have been criticized, prompting Interior Minister Laurent Nunez to order a nationwide reassessment of security at museums and cultural sites. Culture Minister Rachida Dati praised security officers for preventing the criminals from destroying evidence and confirmed that investigators found motorcycles with license plates at the scene. Visitors with pre-booked tickets have been offered refunds, though many tourists expressed disappointment over missing the visit, including some who had planned the trip for years. The heist has highlighted the challenges of securing a museum originally designed for far fewer visitors, and a €700 million modernization plan is underway to improve infrastructure and security.