Art Heist at Renoir Museum: Thieves Make Off with €9 Million in Masterpieces

In a daring early morning heist on Tuesday, two thieves broke into the Renoir Museum in Cagnes-sur-Mer, France, making off with four valuable artworks. The incident has left local authorities and art enthusiasts shocked, particularly as one of the stolen pieces was dropped during the escape.

Mayor Bryan Masson confirmed the theft, stating that the museum's alarm was triggered at 5:48 AM, and by 5:53 AM, municipal police had arrived at the scene. Video surveillance footage helped to identify the culprits, who fled with the art, leaving behind one stolen painting. The estimated total value of the stolen works stands at a staggering €9 million (approximately $10 million).

The Renoir Museum, which opened its doors in 1960, is housed in the final residence of the famed Impressionist painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir, who passed away in 1919. The museum features not only his paintings but also personal items, including his easel and wheelchair. This theft echoes a recent high-profile art robbery, where eight items valued at around $100 million were stolen from the Louvre in Paris.

Source: www.france24.com