PARIS — The Louvre reopened on Wednesday, just three days after a dramatic theft of French crown jewels. Long lines formed beneath the museum's iconic glass pyramid as visitors returned, eager to explore. However, the Apollo Gallery, where the theft occurred, remained closed to the public.

On Sunday morning, thieves executed a bold heist, stealing eight pieces from France’s Crown Jewels. The incident has been described by some officials as a cultural loss comparable to the 2019 fire at Notre-Dame Cathedral. The theft took place just 250 meters from the Mona Lisa, raising serious concerns about the museum's security measures.

Authorities reported that the thieves spent less than four minutes inside the museum. They accessed the building by wheeling a freight lift to the Seine-facing façade, forcing open a window, and smashing two display cases. After the theft, they fled on motorbikes through central Paris. Alarms were triggered, prompting security agents to respond, but the thieves managed to escape.

Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin acknowledged the failure of security protocols, stating, "We have failed," and emphasized that the incident projected a negative image of France. As the museum reopened, it declined to provide details about any enhanced security measures. Notably, no uniformed police were present in the museum's corridors on reopening day.

The stolen items include a sapphire diadem, a necklace, and an earring linked to 19th-century queens Marie-Amélie and Hortense. Other stolen pieces include an emerald necklace and earrings associated with Empress Marie-Louise, as well as a diamond diadem belonging to Empress Eugénie. One item, the emerald-set imperial crown of Empress Eugénie, was later found outside the museum, damaged but recoverable.

Prosecutor Laure Beccuau estimated the total value of the stolen jewels at approximately €88 million ($102 million), a figure that does not fully reflect their historical significance. She warned that if the thieves attempt to sell the jewels by dismantling them, they would likely destroy their historical context, reducing them to mere commodities on the black market.

Currently, no arrests have been made, and the investigation involves around 100 officers working to identify the suspects and recover the stolen items. Four individuals have been identified as being present at the scene during the heist.

The theft has intensified scrutiny of the Louvre's security measures, especially following recent announcements from President Emmanuel Macron's government regarding upgrades to the museum's security systems. These upgrades include a new command post and an expanded camera network. However, questions remain about whether the recent breach is linked to staffing levels and the implementation of these security enhancements.

While the Mona Lisa is well-protected behind bulletproof glass, the theft has highlighted vulnerabilities in other areas of the museum, which houses over 33,000 objects. The incident has sparked embarrassment among many French citizens, particularly in light of previous staffing issues that have led to overcrowding and delays in museum operations.

As the Louvre welcomed visitors back, other popular attractions, including the Venus de Milo and the Winged Victory of Samothrace, were also open. However, the empty, guarded vitrines in the Apollo Room served as a stark reminder of the recent breach and the ongoing challenges facing the museum's security and management.