France scrambles to protect museums after Louvre heist

A placard which reads "The Louvre Museum will be closed today for exceptional reasons" is seen near the glass Pyramid of the Louvre Museum as the museum remains closed the day after a spectacular jewel heist by thieves who broke into the landmark by using a crane and smashing an upstairs window, stealing priceless jewelry from an area that houses the French crown jewels before escaping on motorbikes, in Paris, France, October 20, 2025. REUTERS/Benoit Tessier

PARIS (Reuters) -France will review the protection of cultural sites across the country and beef up security if needed, officials said on Monday as a manhunt was under way for the four people who staged an audacious daylight robbery at the Louvre museum.

The thieves broke into the Louvre using a crane to smash an upstairs window, then stole priceless objects from an area that houses the French crown jewels before escaping on motorbikes.