Louvre Closes Amid Heist Of 'Inestimable' Jewels

The famed Louvre Museum in Paris was closed on Sunday (October 19) after several thieves disguised as construction workers broke in and stole jewels of "inestimable" value that once belonged to the Emperor Napoleon and his wife, officials confirmed via ABC News.

At least nine pieces of jewelry were stolen during the heist, which concluded with the thieves fleeing on motorcycles, two ministers said. The suspects "broke open" a window and entered through the Apollo Gallery, which displays the French crown jewels, as well as other artifacts, at around 9:30 a.m. local time on Sunday, the Louvre confirmed in a statement. Details of the pieces stolen during the heist hadn't been revealed to the public as of Sunday.

"Investigations have begun, and a precise list of the stolen items is underway," the museum said in a statement obtained by ABC News.

French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez described the jewels stolen as being "inestimable" in value during a local radio interview on Sunday, while also confirming that at least three suspects were believed to have been involved in the heist. Nunez said the suspects used a construction ladder to break open the window and gain access to the building during the robbery, which took about seven minutes.

The thieves wore construction worker uniforms and hoods to hide their faces, according to an investigator from the Banditry Repression Brigade, a special police unit of the French Ministry of the Interior that investigates robberies and art theft. Two of the thieves reportedly entered the Apollo Gallery, using small chainsaws to break open the display case, while one stayed outside, the investigator confirmed. A notification on the Louvre's official website stated that, "The Louvre Museum will remain closed today for exceptional reasons. We thank you for your understanding."