On Sunday, Oct. 19, a group of thieves broke into the Apollo Gallery at The Louvre in Paris, France. The entire operation was carried out in under seven minutes, although no suspects have been detained. French media reports that the group attempted to steal the crown of Empress Eugénie, wife of Napoleon III, but the crown was found on a street outside of the museum and promptly recovered by authorities.
The Louvre welcomes several million visitors each year. However, a French newspaper reported earlier this year on confidential communication between museum authorities and the French government, warning of the delipidated state of the museum. As people visit significant sites, including The Louvre, they might not be aware of the strain that large numbers of visitors have on the site’s operations. It is important to be respectful of these spaces and mindful while interacting with them.
