Paris' Louvre reopens to visitors, three days after jewel heist

The Louvre Museum reopened to visitors on Wednesday, three days after it was closed following the theft of precious royal jewellery. The museum opened at its usual time of 9:00 am (0700 GMT), though the Apollo Gallery, where Sunday’s theft occurred, remains off-limits.

Investigators are pursuing the theory that the theft was carried out by an organised crime group. According to officials, the suspects allegedly climbed a ladder from a truck to break into the museum, dropping a diamond-studded crown as they fled.

Eight priceless pieces were stolen, including an emerald-and-diamond necklace given by Napoleon I to his wife Empress Marie-Louise and a diadem that belonged to Empress Eugenie, set with nearly 2,000 diamonds.

The museum remained closed on Monday and Tuesday following the theft, leaving disappointed tourists unable to visit. Last year, the Louvre welcomed nine million visitors, making it the world’s most visited museum.

The incident has sparked renewed debate over security in French museums, after two other institutions faced thefts last month.