The Louvre reopened on Oct. 22 as authorities continue their search for a group of thieves who stole millions in jewels from the Paris museum.

On Oct. 19, robbers shattered a window and stole eight pieces of jewelry before escaping on motorbikes, French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said on France Inter radio.

The heist targeted the Galerie d'Apollon, a first-floor wing of the museum that houses hardstone jewels, diamonds, and crowns won by French royals. The exhibit is the first royal gallery in France and was built by King Louis XIV, the French monarch who ruled from 1643 to 1715.

While police are still investigating the theft, experts say the perpetrators may have already dismantled or melted down the jewels.

Here's the latest on the case.

The Louvre reopens after heist

The Louvre closed for the rest of the day on Oct. 19 after the robbery, citing "exceptional reasons" in a statement. The museum also opted to stay closed the following day, on Oct. 20.

As it is always closed on Tuesdays, the Louvre also remained shuttered on Tuesday, Oct. 21.

On Wednesday, Oct. 22, the Louvre reopened for the first time after the heist. Visitors are welcome from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. local time, according to the museum's website.

The Louvre director to testify before French Senate about theft

Laurence des Cars, the Louvre's president and director, is set to testify about the heist before the French Senate's Culture, Education and Sport Committee on Oct. 22.

Des Cars has served as the museum's director since 2021. She is the first female to hold the post in the museum's 230-year history, according to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

The hearing will begin at 4:30 p.m. local time, which is 10:30 a.m. EST. It will be available to watch on the Senate's website.

What did robbers steal from the Louvre?

Thieves got away with eight pieces of jewelry worth $102 million, or €88 million, Paris public prosecutor Laure Beccuau told RTL radio on Oct. 21.

They took nine items from the gallery, but one piece — a diamond and emerald-covered gold crown owned by Empress Eugénie, the wife of Napoleon III — was found on the ground outside the museum. Beccuau said the burglars dropped the piece as they escaped.

The following items were stolen in the Oct. 19 heist at the Louvre, per the Ministry of Culture:

  • Tiara worn by Queen Marie-Amélie and Queen Hortense
  • Sapphire necklace worn by Queen Marie-Amélie and Queen Hortense
  • Sapphire earring from a pair worn by Queen Marie-Amélie and Queen Hortense
  • Emerald necklace worn by Marie-Louise
  • Pair of emerald earrings worn by Marie-Louise
  • Reliquary brooch
  • Tiara worn by Empress Eugénie
  • Large bodice bow (brooch) worn by Empress Eugénie

Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. She can be reached at melina.khan@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: The Louvre reopens as museum director set to testify before French Senate

Reporting by Melina Khan, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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