The Louvre museum in Paris reopened on Wednesday, three days after thieves stole historic royal jewelry worth an estimated 88 million euros ($102 million or ₹8,94,56,55,000). The museum had been closed following the audacious weekend robbery that shocked the world.
Live footage showed visitors walking through the museum’s entry gates for the first time since the heist. Security around the Louvre has been increased as authorities continue investigating the incident.
Stolen Jewelry Valued at Over $100 Million
French prosecutors confirmed that the stolen jewelry was worth more than $100 million. AFP quoted Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau, saying, “The Louvre curator estimated the damages to be 88 million euros.”
The heist took place in just seven minutes. Beccuau said that four people were involved and that authorities are analyzing fingerprints found at the scene. The museum director faced security questions from a Senate committee about the bold robbery.
How the Heist Happened in Louvre Museum?
Sunday’s robbery occurred shortly after the Louvre reopened. The thieves reportedly used a truck with an extendable ladder, similar to those used by movers in Paris, parked below the museum’s Apollo Gallery.
They climbed the ladder, entered through a window, and used cutting tools to open display cases. Eight priceless pieces were stolen, including:
- An emerald-and-diamond necklace gifted by Napoleon I to his wife, Empress Marie-Louise
- A diadem that once belonged to Empress Eugenie, featuring nearly 2,000 diamonds
The robbery has drawn attention worldwide because of the historical and cultural significance of the stolen jewelry.
Recent Museum Robberies in Paris
This is not the first high-profile theft in Paris this month. A similar crime took place at the Natural History Museum, where gold nuggets worth more than $1.5 million were stolen. The recent incidents highlight increasing concerns over museum security in the French capital.
Investigation Continues
Authorities are continuing to examine evidence, including fingerprints, to identify the four suspects. The stolen pieces are considered irreplaceable due to their historical and royal significance.
The Louvre museum, one of the world’s most visited cultural sites, has now resumed normal operations. Visitors can again view the museum’s vast collection, although security remains heightened to prevent further incidents.
The $102 million jewelry heist at the Louvre has become one of the most notorious museum robberies in recent history, drawing global media attention and prompting calls for stronger protection of priceless artifacts.
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