Thieves cut paintings from frames in Renoir museum heist

At least four paintings were stolen from the Renoir Museum in Cagnes-sur-Mer near Nice in southern France after two thieves broke into the site early Tuesday, September 8, according to French broadcaster TF1.

The burglary took place shortly before dawn at the museum dedicated to French Impressionist painter Auguste Renoir. Police were alerted when the museum’s alarm was triggered shortly before 6 a.m. local time.

Investigators examining surveillance footage saw two suspects cutting paintings from their frames. At least four works are believed to have been taken, although their titles have not yet been identified.

The Renoir Museum is located at the Domaine des Collettes in Cagnes-sur-Mer, the former home and estate where Renoir spent the later years of his life. The museum’s collection includes original paintings by the artist as well as works deposited by other French museums.

The burglary comes amid a series of high-profile thefts from French museums in recent years. In October 2025, thieves stole jewellery from the collection of French monarchs at the Louvre. Several hours later, the Denis Diderot House of Enlightenment Museum in Langres, eastern France, was also targeted, with criminals stealing a collection of gold and silver coins.

Following those incidents, France’s Interior Ministry ordered tighter security around museums and other cultural heritage sites.

The latest burglary is now under investigation, with police working to establish the identities of the suspects and determine the exact works taken from the Renoir Museum.

By Tamilla Hasanova