The world-renowned Louvre Museum was temporarily closed on Sunday morning following a dramatic jewel heist that authorities described as one of the most audacious thefts in recent French history.

According to France’s Interior Ministry, a group of at least three unidentified individuals infiltrated the museum’s Apollo Gallery, home to some of the Louvre’s most valuable crown jewels, at approximately 5:20 a.m. local time. The thieves reportedly entered through a service shaft connected to a mechanized lift, bypassing several layers of security systems.

Witnesses and early reports suggest the perpetrators were equipped with small handheld chainsaws and cutting tools used to breach reinforced glass cases containing historic gems. Surveillance footage shows the suspects escaping the museum grounds on two high-powered scooters, moments before police units arrived.

Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez described the theft as “a direct attack on France’s cultural heritage,” adding that the stolen artifacts were of “incalculable historical and artistic value.” He said a special task force, in coordination with Interpol, has been mobilized to track down the culprits.

“France has faced art crimes before, but the precision and timing of this operation indicate deep insider knowledge,” Nuñez stated at a press briefing.

Culture Minister Rachida Dati confirmed that no injuries occurred during the heist and that the museum was evacuated and closed to the public for the remainder of the day as forensic teams scoured the site for clues.

“The Louvre is not just a museum—it is the soul of France,” Dati said. “We will not rest until every piece taken is recovered and those responsible are brought to justice.”

French police sources said preliminary findings suggest the stolen items included a set of 18th-century diamond-encrusted brooches, a sapphire pendant, and several royal insignias originally belonging to the House of Bourbon. Experts warn that the gems are so recognizable that selling them on the open market will be nearly impossible, indicating that they may be destined for private collectors or black-market intermediaries abroad.

Security analysts noted that the heist comes amid heightened concerns about cultural property theft across Europe. The Louvre last upgraded its surveillance and vault systems in 2022 after an attempted theft of Renaissance-era manuscripts.

By late afternoon, police had cordoned off the surrounding area of the Louvre, including sections of the Seine river embankment, as divers searched for evidence possibly discarded during the escape.

As of now, no arrests have been made. However, authorities say they are reviewing over 150 hours of CCTV footage from the museum and nearby streets, including footage from private businesses and city-operated traffic cameras.

French media reported that the museum’s director, Laurence des Cars, convened an emergency meeting with senior staff and international art crime experts to assess the damage and begin cataloging what was taken.

“This is a blow to world heritage,” said Dr. Michel Desroches, a Paris-based art historian. “The Apollo Gallery represents centuries of royal and artistic history. To see it violated in this way is deeply symbolic—it strikes at the heart of European civilization itself.”

The Louvre is expected to reopen partially on Monday, though several sections will remain closed for security reviews and restoration checks.

Authorities have urged the public to come forward with any information about the stolen jewels or suspicious activity around the museum area in the early hours of the morning. (ILKHA)