Thieves removed three paintings from the Renoir Museum on the French Riviera during an early-morning break-in, according to the local mayor. The incident occurred on Tuesday, with authorities confirming the theft of artwork from the museum in Cagnes-sur-Mer, a town along the coast near Nice.
The museum break-in was reported in the morning hours, prompting an immediate response from local police. A photograph circulating with the report shows officers outside the museum, near its entrance, and mentions that four paintings were initially valued at nine million euros, though it is unclear whether that valuation pertains to the three stolen works or includes others on display.
Two suspects were reported as still at large at the time of the latest updates. The mayor did not specify the titles or artists of the stolen pieces, nor the precise time the break-in occurred. The museum’s security and the full scope of the theft are under investigation by local authorities.
Officials urged the public to provide any information that could assist investigators. Details about potential motives, the provenance of the stolen works, or whether measures such as increased security have been implemented in response to the incident have not been disclosed in the available reports.
The Renoir Museum, situated in the Riviera town of Cagnes-sur-Mer, is the target of this crime as authorities continue to piece together how the break-in unfolded and which artworks are now missing. No injuries were reported in connection with the incident, and there has been no official statement on the condition of the remaining collections.
As investigators press forward, officials say updates will be released as new information becomes available. The case underscores ongoing concerns about art theft in public institutions across the region, though authorities have not offered a broader context or timetable for follow-up releases.
