The Louvre closed after masked thieves mounted a seven-minute daylight raid, using a truck lift to enter the Galerie d'Apollon through a second-floor window and smashing cases to seize eight items of 'inestimable' value. Two bandits fled toward a highway on high-powered scooters; prosecutors are seeking four male suspects. Two pieces - including Empress Eugenie's crown - were found near the museum. The theft echoes decades of Louvre breaches and comes amid staff unrest and planned renovations. France's justice minister said authorities 'failed' as other cultural institutions tightened security.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.