Paris’ Louvre Museum Forced to Close After Chainsaw-Wielding Thieves Pull Off 7-Minute Heist, Escape with Jewelry Worth Millions By Escher Walcott 26

The Louvre Museum is closed following a 7-minute jewelry heist.

On Sunday, Oct. 19, thieves broke into the famous museum in Paris, France, escaping with jewelry worth millions that had been on display, a Louvre spokesperson confirmed in a statement obtained by PEOPLE.

The incident took place at around 9:30 a.m. local time, with several individuals forcing entry through a window in the Galerie d’Apollon (Apollo Gallery), which had opened its doors to the public.

“They stole jewelry from display cases inside the museum and fled on motorcycles,” the statement read. “An investigation has begun, and a detailed list of the stolen items is being compiled.

“Beyond their market value, these items have inestimable heritage and historical value. The ministers of culture and the interior are on site with the museum’s management,” the statement continued.

The museum’s management decided to close the attraction following the incident as a security measure and to “preserve evidence” amid an ongoing investigation.

“All possible measures are being taken to recover the stolen items,” the Louvre statement concluded.

France’s Culture Minister Rachida Dati revealed in a statement on X that no injuries among the public, Louvre staff, or law enforcement officers were reported following the robbery.

“I am on site alongside the museum teams and the police. Investigations underway,” said Dati.

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The thieves allegedly entered the building carrying small chainsaws and angle grinders to reach the room they were targeting, France 24 reported. French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez told the outlet that the robbery lasted around seven minutes.

It is believed that there were four individuals involved in the heist, per the French outlet Le Parisien. Two of them wore yellow vests disguised as workers at the museum, while the other two were on scooters.

Nine pieces of jewelry from the Napoleon and Empresses Marie-Louise and Eugenie collection were stolen, Le Parisien reported. Culture Minister Dati confirmed later on Sunday that a piece of jewelry “was found near the museum,” per Le Figaro. Two pieces of jewelry in total have since been recovered, according to Le Parisien.

The Apollo Gallery is home to the oldest, most treasured jewels in France. The French Crown Jewels are displayed, along with the historical diamonds — the Regent, the Sancy and the Hortensia — that belonged to Napoleon’s second wife, Empress Marie Louise, per the museum’s website.

Following the heist on Sunday, the Louvre announced on X that it “will remain closed today for exceptional reasons.” 

Police and forensic teams were seen heading inside the museum following the robbery. Soldiers with automatic rifles were also seen patrolling the scene, AFP reported.

The Paris prosecutor’s office called the robbery an “organized theft.” They have opened an investigation into the robbery, per Le Parisien.