A minute-by-minute look at the daring Louvre robbery, using maps, photos and video to unravel how one of the world’s most famous museums was breached.

Authorities were racing Monday to reassure the public about security at key cultural sites — and find the jewels stolen from the museum before they can be broken up and melted down.

The famed museum in Paris remained closed a day after the heist. One government official admits that the heist exposed security failings at the museum.

A hunt is under way to find the four thieves before the jewels - which once belonged to French royals - vanish for good.

The Louvre in Paris was robbed in 7 minutes but this isn’t the first time art and jewels have been stolen: The Louvre's recent jewel heist echoes a lo

LONDON -- As the alarms sounded at the Louvre Museum on Sunday morning, four suspects took off on two motorbikes, winding their way through central Paris, allegedly carrying with them a haul of "priceless" jewelry once worn by queens and made of sapphires, diamonds and emeralds.

The Louvre Museum in Paris remains closed to the public after robbers stole imperial jewels in broad daylight on Sunday.

Jewels stolen from Paris’ Louvre Museum in a daring heist include a crown worn by Empress Eugenie, a brooch of Empress Eugenie, and a crown worn by Queen Marie-Amelie.