Paris authorities are investigating the theft of jewellery from the Louvre Museum after an audacious seven-minute raid on Sunday morning. French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez described the stolen items as “priceless” and of “inestimable heritage and historical value.”

Speaking to France Inter, Nuñez said the robbery occurred in the museum’s Gallerie d’Apollon, which houses the French Crown Jewels and other historic treasures, including Louis XIV’s collection of hardstone vessels.

“A major robbery took place this morning in the Apollo Room. Individuals entered the Louvre Museum from outside, using an external freight elevator that was positioned on a truck,” he explained.

According to the minister, “three or four perpetrators” forced open a window with an angle grinder before taking jewellery with significant sentimental and historical value. The suspects fled the scene on motorcycles, leaving authorities to respond within minutes.

“A team had clearly been scouting the location. It was obviously a very experienced team that acted very, very quickly,” Nuñez added.

He expressed confidence that the perpetrators would be identified and the stolen items recovered.
Minister of Culture Rachida Dati said the incident occurred as the museum opened at 9:30 a.m., and that visitors were evacuated safely.

“No injuries were reported. I am on site alongside museum staff and the police. Investigations are ongoing,” she stated on X.

The Louvre, which welcomed 8.7 million visitors last year, including a large number of tourists from the United States, remained closed on Sunday as authorities preserved the scene for investigation.

The interior ministry confirmed that a detailed inventory of the stolen items is being compiled.

“Beyond their market value, the items have inestimable heritage and historical value,” the statement said, highlighting the cultural significance of the theft.