Paris — The Louvre Museum announced its temporary closure on Monday following the stunning theft of several pieces from the French Crown Jewels collection early Sunday morning.

The decision came unexpectedly shortly after the museum’s usual 9:00 a.m. opening, when crowds of tourists were already lined up at the glass pyramid entrance. An hour later, management cited “exceptional reasons” for shutting the doors.

The closure coincides with an emergency security meeting led by Interior Minister Laurent Núñez and Culture Minister Rachida Dati, who stated that “heritage security has always been underestimated.”

Criticism quickly mounted. Senator Ian Brossat reminded officials that museum employees had gone on strike in June to warn about staff shortages — particularly in security, where 200 positions have been cut in the past five years.

Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin admitted that “there were clear security failures,” noting that the thieves managed to set up a freight elevator “in the heart of Paris” and steal jewels “of incalculable value.”

According to investigators, a four-person team arrived at 9:30 a.m. with two motorcycles and a truck carrying a lift. They cut through a window of the Apollo Gallery, smashed two display cases, and stole nine jewels in just seven minutes. During their escape, they dropped part of the loot — including the crown of Empress Eugenia de Montijo — before fleeing on motorcycles.

Police have launched a manhunt to capture the suspects and recover the stolen treasures.