€9 million worth of artworks stolen from Renoir museum in France

Artworks worth approximately 9 million euros have been stolen from the Auguste Renoir Museum in the southern French city of Cagnes-sur-Mer.

Operative Information Center-OMM reports that two people entered the museum and cut four paintings from their frames. The suspects fled after the alarm was triggered.

Police officers inspecting the scene found two zippered bags in the museum garden, which are believed to have belonged to the suspects.

Museum management is continuing its assessment to determine the damage caused to the building and whether any other works may have been stolen.

The investigation is being conducted by France’s Subdirectorate for the Fight Against Organized Crime.

The museum is located at Les Collettes, the estate where French Impressionist painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir spent the final period of his life. It houses 10 original paintings by the artist, around 40 sculptures, personal belongings, furniture and historical archives.