Louvre Museum closes after theft of jewels with ‘inestimable’ value, French interior minister says

PARIS and LONDON — The Louvre Museum in Paris said it would remain closed on Sunday for “exceptional reasons,” as two French ministers said an investigation was underway into a robbery.

“A robbery took place this morning at the opening of the Louvre Museum,” French Minister of Culture Rachida Dati said on social media.

Dati added, “No injuries to report. I am on site alongside the museum teams and the police. Investigations underway.”

French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez in an interview on local radio said several items were taken from the museum, adding that their value would be “inestimable.”

At least three suspects appeared to have been involved, Nunez said, adding that some or all appeared to have entered the Apollon Gallery and to have taken jewels. He said they appeared to have used a construction ladder to enter or exit the building.

The alleged robbery took about seven minutes, he said. The suspects then fled on motorcycles, he said.

A notification posted on the museum’s website said, “The Louvre Museum will remain closed today for exceptional reasons. We thank you for your understanding.”

Kaci Benedetti, who was visiting Paris from the United States, told ABC News she was standing in line to enter the museum on Sunday when a commotion began. Police were running along the courtyard where Benedetti and her family were waiting, she said.

She watched as the officers attempted to enter the building through a side door, but “could not because they were locked,” she said.

“We could see people inside running and some were banging on the glass doors to get out, but could not because they were locked,” Benedetti said. “Then police and military police arrived. After about an hour they announced the Louvre was closed for today.”