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Il Louvre museum remained closed Monday, the day after theft of historical jewels from the most visited museum in the world in an audacious plan in broad daylight that prompted authorities to reevaluate security measures at cultural sites across France.
Museum staff asked dozens of visitors queuing outside the entrance to the glass pyramid to leave. In a message posted on social media, the Louvre said visitors who booked tickets would be refunded. He did not provide further details. The Louvre will also remain closed on Tuesday, the weekly closing day.
On Sunday, thieves used a basket lift to climb up the façade of the Louvre, forcing open a window, smashing display cases and making off with priceless Napoleonic jewels, officials said. The theft occurred about 30 minutes after the museum opened, with visitors already inside, and was among the highest-profile museum thefts in living memory. The last theft from the Louvre dates back to 1998.
The head of security at the Louvre, Dominique Buffinwas accused of having been hired not on merit but on DEI (Diversity and Inclusion) policies and of having put French national treasures at risk: the daring raid humiliated France and also highlighted long-standing concerns about the security of the Louvre.
Mrs. Buffin, 46 years oldwas hired as the first female head of security by Laurence des Cars, the museum's first female director, last September. But yesterday, Ms Buffin, who has held roles in the police and France's Ministry of Culture, faced calls to resign and accusations of being unfit for the role. Marion MaréchalMEP and nephew of Marine Le Pendeclared that France is “the laughing stock of the world” due to the “ridiculous theft”.
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