Louvre Museum to Remain Closed on Monday Following Daring Crown Jewels Heist

The Louvre Museum in Paris will stay closed for a second consecutive day on Monday after a spectacular theft of crown jewels from its famed Apollo Gallery, museum officials confirmed.

“The museum is not opening today,” a Louvre spokesperson told AFP, citing “exceptional circumstances.”

All visitors who had pre-booked tickets for the day will receive full refunds, the management announced.

A printed notice at the entrance informed visitors that the museum would remain closed throughout the day. The announcement came amid visible frustration as long queues of tourists wound their way across the iconic glass pyramid courtyard and beneath the main entrance arches before learning the news.

“The museum is closed for the whole day,” a member of staff confirmed to waiting visitors.

The robbery, which took place on Sunday, targeted some of the museum’s most valuable crown jewels. Early reports suggest that the thieves broke in through a window, managing to escape before security forces could intervene.

The Apollo Gallery, a long-celebrated display room known for housing the French royal collection, remains sealed off as investigators work to determine how the break-in occurred.

Many visitors expressed shock and disappointment, while others marvelled at the boldness of the heist.

“The audacity, coming through a window,” said Carol Fuchs, an American tourist who had been queuing for nearly 45 minutes. “I feel so sorry for whoever was on guard in that room.”

Fuchs added, with a note of resignation: “Will they ever be found? I doubt it. I think it’s long gone.”

French authorities have not yet disclosed the value of the stolen jewels or details of the suspects, but the incident has sparked questions about the museum’s security protocols.

Police and forensic teams were seen combing the Apollo Gallery and surrounding areas on Sunday evening, while Louvre management cooperated closely with the Ministry of Culture and Paris Police Prefecture.

Authorities have promised a thorough investigation and reinforced security across all wings of the museum to prevent further incidents.

The Louvre — the world’s most visited museum — has experienced rare thefts in its long history, but the loss of crown jewels marks one of the most serious breaches of security in decades.