Louvre heist makes France’s jewels global stars

A robbery at the Louvre has thrust France’s crown jewels into worldwide attention one week after thieves stole pieces worth more than $100 million. The crime mirrors the 1911 theft of the Mona Lisa, which turned an obscure Renaissance painting into the planet’s most recognized artwork after a handyman removed it from the wall.

Thieves scaled the building’s exterior on Sunday, smashed display cases and escaped on motorcycles within minutes. Guards recovered Empress Eugenie’s emerald crown after robbers abandoned it while fleeing. Authorities retrieved one additional stolen item but declined to name it.

The museum reopened on Wednesday to capacity crowds despite the missing jewels and ongoing investigation. Director Laurence des Cars admitted serious security lapses and proposed adding barriers and permanent police stations. She offered her resignation, but officials rejected it.

Visitors gather at barricaded gallery doors to witness the crime scene. Art experts predict the theft will make the remaining jewels as famous as the Mona Lisa became after its disappearance.