The Musée Lalique in the Alsace region was targeted by thieves this past Sunday in a swift and highly coordinated smash-and-grab. Masked perpetrators broke through the museum doors and managed to escape with roughly 20 priceless pieces, a haul estimated to be worth several million euros. While the theft occurred rapidly, the museum’s security systems were triggered, allowing staff to quickly inventory the missing items. Authorities are currently reviewing CCTV footage and have launched a comprehensive investigation to track down the suspects.

Located in Wingen-sur-Moder, the museum serves as a dedicated showcase for the exquisite work of René Lalique, a master of Art Nouveau jewellery and Art Deco glass design. In the wake of the incident, the museum announced it will remain closed for the next few days to allow for security upgrades before reopening to the public. This brazen heist follows a similar security breach at the Louvre in Paris last October, underscoring growing concerns regarding the safety of historical artifacts in French museums.