The Louvre Museum in Paris reopened on Wednesday, just three days after a dramatic heist where thieves stole royal jewellery valued at approximately €88 million ($102 million). The robbery, which took place on Sunday, has raised serious concerns about the museum's security measures.

During the heist, the thieves broke in through a second-floor window using a stolen freight lift, making off with eight pieces from France's Crown Jewels in under four minutes. The stolen items included a sapphire diadem, an emerald necklace, and a diamond brooch, among others. One piece, the emerald-set imperial crown of Empress Eugénie, was later found outside the museum, albeit damaged.

As visitors lined up to enter the museum, the Apollo Gallery, where the theft occurred, remained closed. French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez acknowledged security failures, stating, "There was a burglary at the Louvre, some of the most precious jewels in France were stolen. So obviously it’s a failure, there is nothing else I can say." He noted that the alarm system functioned correctly, alerting police within three minutes of the break-in.

The museum's director, Laurence des Cars, is set to face questions from the French Senate regarding the incident. Critics have pointed to potential lapses in security, especially given the museum's status as a major tourist attraction, drawing 8.7 million visitors last year. President Emmanuel Macron had previously announced plans for a six-year renovation of the Louvre, which includes security upgrades.

Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin expressed disappointment over the incident, stating, "We have failed," and highlighted the negative image it projects for France. The heist has sparked a national debate about the adequacy of security measures in place at the museum, especially as it prepares for an influx of visitors during the school holidays.

As investigations continue, authorities are working to identify the thieves, with four individuals already noted as being present during the robbery. The stolen jewels remain missing, raising fears that they could be destroyed or sold on the black market, losing their historical significance forever. The Louvre's reopening marks a return to normalcy, but the shadow of the heist looms large over the iconic institution.