Louvre reopens three days after shocking $102 mn royal jewellery heist, probe still on

The Louvre Museum in Paris reopened to the public on Wednesday, three days after a theft of royal jewellery prompted its temporary closure. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, involved the theft of eight invaluable pieces and has triggered an extensive investigation by French authorities.

From 9:00 am (0700 GMT), the museum’s usual opening hour, visitors began entering the world-renowned institution. However, the Apollo Gallery, where the theft occurred, remained closed, the museum confirmed.

Investigators probe organised crime link

Scores of investigators are working on the theory that an organised crime group was behind the theft. According to initial findings, the thieves used a ladder on a truck to climb into the museum and broke in, dropping a diamond-studded crown as they fled.

Among the stolen items were an emerald-and-diamond necklace gifted by Napoleon I to his wife, Empress Marie-Louise, and a diadem that once belonged to Empress Eugenie, adorned with nearly 2,000 diamonds.

Disappointed tourists were turned away from the Louvre on Monday following the theft, while Tuesday’s closure coincided with the museum’s regular schedule. The Louvre, the world’s most visited museum, hosted nine million visitors last year.

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