The Louvre museum reopened to visitors on Wednesday, three days after a daring daylight robbery saw eight priceless royal jewellery pieces stolen, though the Apollo Gallery, site of the theft, remains closed.
The heist on Sunday, shortly after the museum opened, caused estimated losses of around 88 million euros ($102 million). Among the stolen items were an emerald-and-diamond necklace once owned by Empress Marie-Louise and a diadem belonging to Empress Eugenie, set with nearly 2,000 diamonds. Investigators are focusing on a suspected organized crime group that scaled a ladder mounted on a truck to break into the museum, dropping one diamond-studded crown while fleeing.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez said more than 100 investigators have been summoned and expressed confidence that the culprits will be caught. Museum director Laurence des Cars is expected to face the Senate’s culture committee later Wednesday to answer questions on gallery security.
Despite the theft, visitors lined up from the opening hours, eager to explore the museum’s remaining collections.
