The Louvre Museum in Paris was closed on Sunday after thieves broke in and stole “priceless” jewellery from the Napoleon collection, the French government said.

The break-in happened around 9:30 a.m., when the museum had already opened its doors. Police said the thieves entered through a window in the Apollo Gallery, which houses France’s Crown Jewels.

They used a crane and escaped within minutes on motorbikes, according to Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez. No injuries were reported.

Priceless heritage stolen

Officials said a full list of stolen pieces is being compiled. The items were described as having “priceless heritage and historical value.”

Local media reported that one piece, believed to be Empress Eugénie’s broken crown, was later found near the museum.

Culture Minister Rachida Dati confirmed the robbery and said investigations are ongoing. Police inspected the crane and a shattered window believed to have been used in the theft.

Louvre closed for investigation

The Louvre, home to Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and the world’s most-visited museum, said it would remain closed all day for “exceptional reasons.”

Crowds still gathered outside the museum, taking photos near the crime scene despite the closure.

The heist has raised questions about security at the iconic museum, which had earlier requested government support to upgrade its protection systems. Last year, the Louvre welcomed 8.7 million visitors.

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