TOURISTS fled in panic from the Louvre after a dramatic robbery forced the sudden closure of the world’s most visited museum.
Police sealed off the landmark in the heart of Paris as investigators rushed to the scene on Sunday morning.
France’s Culture Minister Rachida Dati announced on X: “A robbery took place this morning at the opening of the @MuseeLouvre.
“No injuries to report. I am on site alongside the museum teams and the police. Investigations underway.”
The museum confirmed an unscheduled full-day closure “for exceptional reasons”.
The incident reportedly unfolded shortly after doors opened and the first visitors had entered, according to Le Figaro.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether any artworks were stolen or how many suspects were involved.
Police units swarmed the area as thousands of visitors were evacuated and told to stay away.
The investigation, now underway, will seek to determine how criminals breached one of the most secure cultural sites in Europe — and whether any priceless treasures are missing.
The Louvre is a global symbol of French culture and home to masterpieces including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.
The most visited museum in the world, it draws around 8 to 9 million visitors each year.
It also holds around 380,000 objects, with more than 35,000 on display.
The Louvre’s collection is estimated to be worth tens of billions of pounds, making it one of the most heavily guarded museums on Earth.
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