The Louvre museum in Paris announced it would remain closed Monday as investigations continue into Sunday’s extraordinary theft of historic jewelry – and experts say the prospects of recovering the treasures are slim.

PARIS and LONDON -- Several people disguised as construction workers broke into the world-famous Louvre Museum in Paris on Sunday, cracking open display cases and stealing jewelry that once belonged to Emperor Napoleon and his wife, officials said.

French authorities are investigating after a robbery at the Louvre museum in Paris saw a group of thieves get away with "priceless" jewellery on moped this morning. Large numbers of tourists who wanted to see the Mona Lisa had their plans thwarted, after the Louvre said it would stay closed for "exceptional reasons".

Thieves have pulled off a daring heist at the Louvre, stealing priceless Napoleonic jewels. On Sunday, they used a basket lift to access the museum, smashed display cases, and fled with the treasures.

Thieves at the Louvre museum stole eight items of "incalcuable" value from a collection of French crown jewels, including items belonging to Empress Eugénie, Queen Hortense and more

Paris Prosecutor Laure Beccuau says thieves who stole priceless jewelry from the Louvre Museum in a seven-minute heist may have been hired by a collector.

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.

Thieves allegedly staged a heist in Paris at the Louvre Museum, targeting priceless jewelry displays, the interior minister said.