Two thieves broke into the Renoir Museum in Cagnes-sur-Mer, southern France, on Tuesday morning, stealing four artworks before fleeing the scene. One of the stolen paintings was reportedly abandoned as the suspects escaped.
Cagnes-sur-Mer Mayor Bryan Masson said the two individuals were detected through the town’s video surveillance system. Authorities estimate the value of the stolen artworks at around €9 million ($10 million).
Thieves Escape With Four Artworks
According to the mayor, the break-in took place in the early hours of Tuesday. The museum’s alarm was triggered at 5:48 am, and municipal police arrived at the site just five minutes later, at 5:53 am.
The suspects managed to escape before officers arrived, but one of the four stolen artworks was dropped during their flight.
Investigators are expected to examine surveillance footage and other evidence as they work to identify and locate the suspects.
Renoir Museum Houses Historic Collection
The Renoir Museum was opened in 1960 at the home where French Impressionist painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir spent the final years of his life. Renoir died in 1919.
The museum preserves several items connected to the artist, including his easel and wheelchair, along with paintings featuring portraits, landscapes and nudes.
The theft has raised concerns about security at museums and cultural institutions across France.
Theft Follows Major Louvre Robbery
The incident comes less than a year after a major robbery at the Louvre Museum in Paris, where eight items reportedly worth around $100 million were stolen during a daylight raid.
French authorities have since arrested four people suspected of involvement in the Louvre robbery. However, the stolen items have not yet been recovered despite extensive searches in the Paris region and cooperation with police in countries including Belgium and Italy.
The latest theft at the Renoir Museum is likely to renew scrutiny of security measures protecting valuable artworks in French museums.
