Paris' Louvre Museum Closes Again Amid Jewel Heist Investigation

The renowned Louvre Museum, located in Paris, has shut its doors for the second consecutive day following a daring jewel theft.

Museum representatives confirmed to AFP that the establishment would not be welcoming visitors today.

Signs placed at the museum's entrance explain the closure due to 'unforeseen circumstances,' and assure that ticket holders will receive refunds.

A staff member reiterated to waiting visitors that the museum would remain inaccessible throughout the day.

Before the notice was posted, queues of eager visitors extended across the Louvre's glass pyramid courtyard.

Among them was Carol Fuchs, an American senior tourist, who had been waiting in line for nearly an hour.

"It's unbelievable they managed to break in through a window. I feel for the guards," she expressed, following Sunday’s theft of precious gems from the Apollo Gallery.

"I doubt they’ll recover them," she added, convinced the jewels are gone forever.

The theft occurred on Sunday morning, with culprits using a crane-like device to enter, busting through display cases to seize jewelry of immeasurable worth.

After the theft, the perpetrators fled on motorcycles or scooters, authorities disclosed.

This brazen act targeted the Galerie d'Apollon, home to parts of the French Crown Jewels, beneath a painted ceiling by King Louis XIV’s artist.

Despite happening in plain sight with tourists present, no one was reportedly harmed.

French Culture Minister Rachida Dati labeled the incident as work by 'artful professionals,' noting its completion in a swift, non-violent four-minute span.

CBS News correspondent Elizabeth Palmer highlights the nation's shock at the simplicity with which valuables were removed from such a well-guarded site.

Art historian David Chanteranne informed that the glass cases, dating back two centuries, were not reinforced due to a preference for historical authenticity.